The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest 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, Okorienta was captured at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, during a coordinated operation involving the 34 Artillery Brigade and other security agencies.
Weapons and Items Recovered
According to a statement released by the Army, the raid on Okorienta’s base led to the recovery of:
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An English pistol
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120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
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25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
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A cartridge
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Six mobile phones
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Military and police uniforms
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A German flag
Troops also discovered a workshop reportedly used for dismantling stolen vehicles. Ten motorcycles found on the site were destroyed to prevent further use by criminal groups.
Kidnap Victims Rescued in Multi-State Operations
In related developments, Nigerian troops successfully rescued 12 kidnap victims in different parts of the country:
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Five victims in Madagali LGA, Adamawa State
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Five victims in Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
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Two victims in Lokoja, Kogi State
These rescues were part of a series of coordinated operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across Nigeria.
ISWAP Terrorists Neutralised in Borno
The Army also reported fresh gains against insurgents in the Northeast. In Borno State, operatives of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai neutralised eight fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) after the terrorists attempted to ambush troops along the Garin Giwa axis of the Baga–Cross Kauwa Main Supply Route.
The encounter, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, saw eight ISWAP terrorists killed, including two Munzirs and one Qaid, while others with gunshot wounds were apprehended.
Military Reaffirms Commitment
The Army stressed that these operations are part of its ongoing nationwide strategy to combat terrorism, insurgency, and criminality, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding lives, restoring peace, and dismantling violent groups threatening national security.