Nigerian Army Arrests Notorious IPOB/ESN Commander, Rescues Kidnap Victims

The Nigerian Army has successfully apprehended Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, widely known as Gentle de Yahoo, a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its paramilitary wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The arrest was executed 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.

Following the raid, troops recovered a substantial cache of weapons and items, including one English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, a cartridge, six mobile phones, military and police uniforms, as well as a German flag. The operation also uncovered a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles intended for resale, and 10 motorcycles were destroyed at the scene.

In addition to the Imo State operation, coordinated military missions in Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States yielded significant security wins. The Army rescued 11 kidnap victims across these states—five in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa, five in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina, and two in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The Nigerian Army reported neutralizing two terrorists in Katsina, seizing an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle. In Benue State, troops killed a violent extremist and confiscated charms and a mobile phone. Furthermore, 11 suspects implicated in armed robbery, gunrunning, and violent extremism were apprehended across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States.

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Also noteworthy is the recovery of 40 stolen cattle in Plateau State, which have been promptly returned to their rightful owners.

The military credited these successes to sustained collaboration between the Nigerian Army and sister security agencies, highlighting their unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security across affected regions.