Troops Arrest IPOB Commander Gentle De Yahoo in Imo, Rescue Multiple Kidnap Victims

Introduction

Nigerian troops have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity in the South East with the arrest of Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle De Yahoo. The suspected commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), was captured during a special military operation in Imo State. The arrest led to the rescue of several kidnap victims and the recovery of dangerous weapons, uniforms, and stolen property.

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Who Is Gentle De Yahoo?

Gentle De Yahoo, whose real name is Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, had been on the radar of security agencies for his alleged involvement in high-profile crimes. According to the military, he was one of the key IPOB/ESN commanders in Imo State. His network was linked to:

Kidnappings of innocent civilians

Extortion of local communities

Attacks on security personnel

Illegal arms possession

Running a stolen-vehicle dismantling workshop

For months, residents in Okigwe and surrounding communities reportedly lived in fear of his gang’s activities.

How Troops Captured Gentle De Yahoo

Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, in collaboration with other security agencies, launched a coordinated operation that successfully dislodged the militant group. During the raid, multiple victims held hostage by the gang were freed, bringing relief to families and communities long terrorized by the commander.

Recovered items from the operation included:

An English-made pistol

Dozens of rounds of 7.62mm special and NATO ammunition

Military and police uniforms allegedly used for impersonation

Mobile phones and communication devices

A German flag believed to symbolize his group’s ideology

Troops also dismantled a criminal workshop where stolen vehicles were stripped for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles used for criminal operations.

Relief for Imo Communities

Local residents expressed relief following the arrest, noting that the activities of Gentle De Yahoo’s gang had crippled businesses, threatened livelihoods, and forced many to live in constant fear. Community leaders urged the government and security agencies to maintain momentum in tackling criminal networks to restore long-lasting peace.

Implications for Security and the Biafra Agitation

While IPOB has long claimed to represent the struggle for Biafra’s independence, the actions of commanders like Gentle De Yahoo have drawn criticism for blending political agitation with violent crimes. The military described his arrest as a clear message that criminality, no matter the cover, will not be tolerated.

This development may also influence the broader security conversation in the South East, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between peaceful activism and violent extremism.

Conclusion

The arrest of Gentle De Yahoo marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s battle against insecurity in the South East. For communities in Imo State, it represents hope for safer days ahead. For security agencies, it underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations. What remains crucial now is ensuring due process, continued vigilance, and sustained efforts to dismantle other criminal networks still operating in the region.

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