Troops arrest notorious IPOB/ESN commander, “Gentle De Yahoo” in Imo

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), identified as Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle De Yahoo.

Okorienta was captured 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.

According to the military, the operation led to the recovery of a cache of arms and items, including one 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
A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that the operations were conducted in synergy with sister services and other security agencies

According to the source, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, in a joint operation, apprehended the notorious kingpin at his hideout.

The source added that troops also uncovered a workshop where stolen vehicles were dismantled for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the scene.

On anti-kidnap operations, he said that five kidnapped persons were rescued in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa.

According to him, another five were rescued in Kukasheka Ward, Malumfashi Local Government Area, Katsina State, and two others in Lokoja Local Government Area, Kogi.

He further disclosed that troops neutralised two terrorists in separate encounters in Katsina, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle.

The source added that one violent extremist was neutralised in Benue, with a mobile phone and charms recovered.

“Troops also arrested 11 suspects across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States for offences ranging from armed robbery and gun-running to violent extremist activities.

“Additionally, 40 rustled cattles were recovered in Plateau and returned to their rightful owners,” he said.

The source emphasised that the operational breakthroughs were achieved through sustained collaboration between the Nigerian army, sister services, and other security agencies.

He added that the army remained committed to creating a safe environment to boost agriculture and socio-economic development in line with the Federal Government’s food security drive.