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, has been arrested by troops of the Nigerian Army.
The wanted ESN Commander 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.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement by the Nigerian Army, which also detailed other activities of the troops.
Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo
Naijaonpoint understands that during the operation, 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, were recovered from the IPOB hideout.
Troops also uncovered a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the scene.
Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, aka Gentle de Yahoo
In another operation, the soldiers also carried out coordinated missions in Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States, rescuing 11 kidnap victims.
Five persons were freed in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa, another five in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina, while two were rescued in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The Army further reported that two terrorists were neutralised in Katsina, with an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle recovered. In Benue, soldiers killed a violent extremist and seized charms and a mobile phone. Eleven suspects linked to armed robbery, gunrunning, and violent extremism were also arrested across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States.
Troops in Plateau State recovered 40 rustled cattle, which have since been returned to their owners.