Nigerian Army Captures IPOB/ESN Commander Gentle De Yahoo Linked to Brutal Killings in South East

The Nigerian Army says it has arrested Gentle De Yahoo, a senior 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 and widely known as “Gentle de Yahoo,” was detained by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade during a raid on his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area.

Military officials described him as a notorious figure behind several killings in the South East, including the widely circulated shooting of two of his own associates in a viral video, as well as the murder of family members of a vigilante leader in Okigwe.

A cache of weapons and other items was recovered from the hideout, 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. Troops also uncovered a workshop allegedly used to dismantle stolen vehicles for resale, and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the site.

The operation in Imo formed part of wider coordinated missions across several states, according to the Army.

In Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States, 11 kidnap victims were rescued.

In Katsina, two suspected terrorists were killed, and weapons including an AK-47 rifle were seized.

In Benue, soldiers killed a violent extremist and arrested 11 suspects linked to armed robbery, gunrunning, and violent extremism across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States.

In Plateau State, troops recovered 40 stolen cattle and returned them to their owners.

The Army said the operations reflected ongoing cooperation with police and other security agencies, stressing that efforts would continue to dismantle criminal networks across the country.