The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in a major breakthrough against insecurity in Imo State. The suspect, identified as Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as “Gentle de Yahoo.”

Okorienta was captured in his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area.

The arrest was a result of a joint operation by troops of the 34 Artillery in collaboration with other security agencies.

A statement by the Nigerian Army confirmed that the raid led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and items, English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, a cartridge, six mobile phones, military and police uniforms, as well as a German flag.

Troops also uncovered a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the site.

In related operations, troops carried out coordinated missions in Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States, rescuing 12 kidnapped victims. Five persons were freed in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa, another five in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina, while two others were rescued in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Separately, operatives of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, neutralised eight fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province in Borno State. Several others with gunshot wounds were arrested.

According to a military statement, the encounter occurred in the early hours of Monday after terrorists laid an ambush near Garin Giwa along the Baga-Cross Kauwa Main Supply Route.

“During the exchange of fire, eight ISWAP fighters were neutralised, including two Munzirs and one Qaid,” the statement added.”