The Nigerian Army has successfully apprehended a key figure of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in a well-coordinated operation. The notorious commander, Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, better known by his alias Gentle de Yahoo, was captured by the 34 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with other security agencies. The operation took place at Okorienta’s hideout in Aku-Ihube, within the Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
The military authorities have confirmed the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and materials during the operation. Among the seized items were an English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, a cartridge, as well as six mobile phones, military and police uniforms, and even a German flag. Additionally, a workshop where stolen vehicles were dismantled for resale was uncovered, and ten motorcycles were destroyed at the scene.
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This operation is part of a broader series of coordinated military missions that have been underway across several states. In Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States, troops successfully rescued 11 victims of kidnapping. In Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa, five individuals were freed, while another five were rescued in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina. In Lokoja, Kogi State, two more kidnap victims were liberated.
The Nigerian Army also reported the neutralisation of two terrorists in Katsina, with an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle seized. In Benue State, a violent extremist was killed, and his personal belongings, including charms and a mobile phone, were recovered. Furthermore, 11 suspects, allegedly linked to armed robbery, gunrunning, and violent extremism, were arrested across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States.
In Plateau State, troops were able to recover 40 rustled cattle, which have been returned to their rightful owners.
The Nigerian Army attributes these successes to ongoing and strengthened collaborations with sister security agencies, resulting in a significant reduction of criminal activities across multiple states.
