Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, also known as “Gentle de Yahoo,” a feared commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
He was captured during a coordinated operation at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
The operation, carried out by soldiers of the 34 Artillery Brigade alongside other security agencies, followed intelligence that traced the fugitive to the location. During the raid, troops seized an English-made pistol, over 140 rounds of live ammunition, a cartridge, mobile phones, military and police uniforms, and a German flag linked to the group. A workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles was also uncovered, while ten motorcycles found at the site were destroyed to prevent their use for criminal purposes.
For years, the suspect was said to have masterminded kidnappings, extortion, and violent attacks in Okigwe and surrounding areas. His arrest has been described as a relief to residents who have lived under constant fear. Community leaders praised the security agencies and urged them to build on the momentum by breaking up other criminal cells still operating in the state.
The capture of Gentle de Yahoo was part of a wider military campaign across the country. In Adamawa State, troops rescued five kidnapped persons in Madagali Local Government Area, reuniting them with their families. Another five victims were freed in Kukasheka Ward, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, while two others were rescued in Lokoja, Kogi State.
In a separate Katsina raid, soldiers killed two terrorists and recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle. In Benue State, one violent extremist was neutralized, while arrests were made across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna for crimes including armed robbery, gunrunning, and terrorist financing.
Troops also recovered 40 rustled cattle in Plateau State and returned them to their owners. Security officials have commended the dedication of the soldiers, promising to sustain operations against criminal groups nationwide until peace is restored.
The arrest of the IPOB commander is seen as a strong breakthrough in the fight against separatist militias in the South East, with hopes that the development will reduce attacks and restore calm in Imo and neighboring states.