JUST IN: Army Captures IPOB/ESN Commander ‘Gentle De Yahoo’ Who Publicly Executed Gang Members in Imo

The Nigerian Army has announced the capture of Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), popularly known as Gentle De Yahoo. He came to infamy after a viral video showed him publicly executing three of his gang members in Imo State for allegedly using his gun to carry out a robbery.

Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, working with other security agencies, arrested Okorienta at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State. According to military authorities, the operation led to the recovery of 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, as well as a German flag.

Security forces also uncovered a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the location.

Meanwhile, the Army revealed that its wider operations across the country yielded significant results. In Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States, troops rescued 11 kidnap victims—five in Madagali, five in Malumfashi, and two in Lokoja. Two terrorists were neutralized in Katsina, with the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle.

In Benue, soldiers killed a violent extremist and seized charms and a mobile phone, while 11 suspects connected to armed robbery, gunrunning, and violent extremism were arrested in Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States. Additionally, troops in Plateau State recovered 40 stolen cattle and returned them to their owners.

The Army credited these successes to ongoing synergy with sister services and security agencies in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime.