The Nigerian Army says its troops have arrested Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, a commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo.
Gatekeepers News reports that Okorienta was apprehended at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, during a joint operation by the 34 Artillery Brigade and other security agencies.
In a statement, the army disclosed that the raid led to the recovery of an 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, and a German flag. Troops also uncovered a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the site.
The army said the operation was part of a broader campaign targeting criminal networks nationwide. In coordinated raids across other states, soldiers rescued 12 kidnap victims: five in Madagali, Adamawa State; five in Malumfashi, Katsina State; and two in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The military also highlighted recent operations in the northeast. Operatives of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised eight Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and arrested several others with gunshot wounds after insurgents attempted to ambush troops along the Garin Giwa axis of the Baga–Cross Kauwa supply route in Borno State.
“During the exchange of fire, eight ISWAP fighters were neutralised, including two Munzirs and one Qaid,” the statement said.
The army described these operations as part of a sustained strategy to safeguard civilians, dismantle terrorist cells, and strengthen national security.
