By George Ozalla
The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo. He was captured on September 16, 2025, by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in a joint operation with sister security agencies at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
During the operation, troops recovered a cache of arms and 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. A workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles for resale was also uncovered, and 10 motorcycles found at the scene were destroyed.
The arrest is seen as a significant breakthrough in the efforts to restore peace in the region. The Nigerian Army attributed the success to sustained collaboration with sister services and security agencies.
In addition to Gentle de Yahoo’s arrest, troops carried out coordinated missions in other states, achieving notable successes. In Adamawa, five kidnap victims were rescued in Madagali Local Government Area. Similarly, five victims were freed in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina, and two in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Troops also neutralized two terrorists in Katsina, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle. In Benue State, a violent extremist was killed, and charms and a mobile phone were seized. Eleven suspects linked to armed robbery, gunrunning, and violent extremism were arrested across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States.
Furthermore, troops in Plateau State recovered 40 stolen cattle and returned them to their rightful owners. The Nigerian Army assured Nigerians of continued operations to protect lives and property.
