The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, also known as Gentle de Yahoo, a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Okorienta was captured by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in a joint operation with other security agencies at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to the Army, the raid led to the recovery of several weapons 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. Troops also discovered a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles on-site.
Beyond Imo State, coordinated military operations were also conducted in Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States. These missions resulted in the rescue of 11 kidnapped victims — five in Madagali (Adamawa), another five in Malumfashi (Katsina), and two in Lokoja (Kogi).
In Katsina, troops neutralized two terrorists and recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle. In Benue State, soldiers killed a violent extremist, seized charms and a mobile phone, and arrested 11 suspects linked to armed robbery, gunrunning, and violent extremism across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States.
Meanwhile, troops in Plateau State recovered 40 stolen cattle and returned them to their rightful owners.
The Army attributed these successes to ongoing synergy with sister security services and other law enforcement agencies.
