Notorious IPOB Commander Arrested by Army in Imo

The Nigerian Army has confirmed 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 at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, during a joint operation carried out by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with other security agencies.

According to a statement by the Nigerian Army, the raid led to the recovery of 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, as well as a German flag.

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

In related operations, troops conducted 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 (ISWAP) in Borno State, while several others with gunshot wounds were apprehended.

The military disclosed that the encounter took place in the early hours of Monday after terrorists laid an ambush near Garin Giwa along the Baga–Cross Kauwa Main Supply Route.