The Nigerian Army has announced the capture of a commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo.
It e gathered that troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, working alongside other security agencies, arrested Okorienta at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
The operation also led to the recovery of a cache of weapons and other items, including an English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, a cartridge, six mobile phones, military and police uniforms, and a German flag.
Troops further discovered a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the scene.
Beyond the Imo operation, the Army confirmed that coordinated missions were carried out in Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States, leading to the rescue of 11 kidnap victims. Five persons were freed in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa, another five in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina, while two were rescued in Lokoja, Kogi State.
In Katsina, two terrorists were killed, with troops recovering an AK-47 rifle, rounds of ammunition, and a motorcycle. In Benue, soldiers killed a violent extremist and seized charms and a mobile phone, while 11 suspects linked to armed robbery, gunrunning, and violent extremism were arrested across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States.
In Plateau State, troops recovered 40 stolen cattle and returned them to their rightful owners.
The Nigerian Army attributed these successes to ongoing collaboration with sister services and other security agencies, stressing that the joint efforts continue to weaken criminal networks across the country.