IMo State — The Nigerian Army on Tuesday announced the arrest of Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, alias “Gentle de Yahoo,” a suspected commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), following a raid on his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
Troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, acting in a joint operation with sister security agencies, said the operation produced a significant haul of weapons, ammunition and other incriminating items. Recovered exhibits included one 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. Soldiers also uncovered a workshop reportedly used to dismantle stolen vehicles for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles on the premises.
Military intelligence, the army said, links Okorienta to the organisation of “enforcement squads” that allegedly carried out violent attacks on residents who defied sit-at-home orders in parts of Anambra and Imo states. He is accused of orchestrating kidnappings and a series of killings across the Southeast — including the high-profile killing and reported beheading of a military couple who travelled to Imo State for their wedding.
The arrest has prompted a mixture of jubilation and cautious optimism across the region. In a statement made available to DAILY POST, Ohanaeze Ndigbo — led by Jackson Omenazu — lauded the Federal Government and security agencies for the operation and urged remaining militants to lay down their arms. The Igbo socio-cultural body branded Gentle de Yahoo the leader of the so-called “AUTO PILOT MILITIA” and called the move a decisive step toward ending the violence that has crippled the Southeast’s economy and driven mass displacement.
“We commend the exemplary preparedness and unwavering commitment demonstrated by the Federal Government… in their decisive action to bring an end to the pervasive suffering and crippling insecurity that have plagued our beloved Southeast region,” the Ohanaeze statement read, urging fighters to surrender and promising support for restoration and reconciliation.
All Progressives Congress chieftain Joe Igbokwe declared on social media that the Southeast has been “liberated,” alleging Gentle de Yahoo was responsible for killing “more than a thousand Igbos between 2015 and 2025.” The claim could not be independently verified at the time of reporting.
Local residents and stakeholders expressed relief, but some warned that the arrest of one commander would not immediately end the security challenges in the region. A top Igbo stakeholder who spoke off the record described the capture as “good news” and a potential reprieve for communities forced to observe sit-at-home orders weekly out of fear.
Social media mirrored those mixed reactions, with many users celebrating the arrest and others urging confirmation before celebrating. The military has not released further details about subsequent investigations or the status of prosecutions, but sources say Okorienta remains in custody as inquiries continue.
Security analysts and community leaders say sustained intelligence-led operations and continued community engagement will be necessary to ensure the arrest translates into lasting peace and the safe return of displaced residents to affected communities.
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