Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, in Imo State.
The suspect, identified as Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo, was captured by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to military authorities, the arrest took place at Okorienta’s hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe local government area of Imo State during a coordinated operation.
In a statement, the Army confirmed the recovery of weapons and other 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.
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Troops also discovered a workshop allegedly used for dismantling stolen vehicles for resale. Ten motorcycles were destroyed on the premises during the operation.
The Army further disclosed that in separate operations across Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States, 11 kidnap victims were successfully rescued.
Five victims were freed in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa, another five in Malumfashi, Katsina, and two in Lokoja, Kogi State.
In Katsina, troops reportedly killed two terrorists and recovered an AK-47 rifle, rounds of ammunition, and a motorcycle during combat engagements.
Elsewhere in Benue State, soldiers neutralised a violent extremist and seized charms and a mobile phone.
Security forces also arrested 11 suspects linked to armed robbery, gunrunning, and violent extremism across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States.
Troops in Plateau State recovered 40 stolen cattle, which were subsequently returned to their rightful owners, the Army stated.
Speaking on the operations, a military spokesperson said: “These successes reflect the synergy among the Nigerian Army, sister services, and other security agencies in maintaining peace and order.”
The spokesperson added: “Our troops remain committed to protecting citizens and dismantling criminal networks threatening national security.”
The Army encouraged members of the public to continue providing timely information to aid ongoing security operations nationwide.
