James Uche
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the capture of Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as General Gentle de Yahoo, a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, in a joint operation with other security agencies, stormed the insurgents’ hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, on Tuesday. The operation led to the arrest of Gentle de Yahoo and the killing of several of his fighters, including his deputy commander.
According to military sources, the troops recovered a significant cache of weapons and other items during the raid. Seized materials include assault rifles, ammunition, mobile phones, military uniforms, motorcycles, a German flag, and dismantled parts of stolen vehicles. A workshop reportedly used by the group to modify vehicles was also destroyed.
General Gentle de Yahoo, described by security operatives as one of the most feared commanders in the South-East, is alleged to have masterminded multiple attacks on security personnel, government facilities, and civilians in Imo and neighbouring states. His arrest, the army said, represents a major breakthrough in ongoing operations to dismantle IPOB/ESN networks.
Although early reports suggested uncertainty over whether the militant leader was killed during the raid, the army later clarified that he was captured alive, while his deputy and other fighters were neutralised in the gun battle.
The operation comes at a time of heightened military pressure on separatist groups in the South-East. Security experts note that the arrest of Gentle de Yahoo could weaken IPOB’s armed structure and disrupt its operational capacity in the region.
The Nigerian Army has assured that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution.