Notorious IPOB/ESN Commander ‘Gentle De Yahoo’ Captured in Imo

On September 16, 2025, the Nigerian Army achieved a significant victory in its ongoing efforts to curb insurgency in Southeast Nigeria by apprehending Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, alias "Gentle De Yahoo," a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The arrest, executed by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with other security agencies, took place at Okorienta’s hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State. This operation marks a critical step in dismantling criminal networks that have plagued the region with violence, kidnappings, and extortion.

A Notorious Figure in the Southeast

Gentle De Yahoo has long been a feared name in Imo State, linked to a string of heinous crimes, including the brutal murder of three youths and the abduction of a former Imo State House of Assembly member, Ngozi Ogbu, on September 7, 2025. Operating under the banner of the Auto-Pilots militia group, reportedly led by the jailed Simon Ekpa, Okorienta is believed to have orchestrated numerous attacks, including the killing of a military couple in Imo about three years ago, as noted in social media posts circulating on X. His reign of terror has destabilized communities, particularly in Okigwe and Orlu, areas described as war zones due to relentless violence.

The Nigerian Army’s statement highlighted Okorienta’s role as a high-ranking IPOB/ESN commander, emphasizing that his capture was a result of credible intelligence and meticulous planning. The joint operation not only neutralized a key figure but also led to the recovery of significant weaponry, underscoring the scale of the threat posed by his network.

Details of the Operation

The raid on Okorienta’s hideout in Aku-Ihube was a well-coordinated effort involving the 34 Artillery Brigade and sister security agencies. According to military sources, troops stormed the location in the early hours of September 16, 2025, catching the suspect off guard. The operation yielded an impressive haul of arms, including an English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one cartridge, six mobile phones, and military and police uniforms, along with a German flag. These items suggest a sophisticated operation capable of sustained criminal activities.

The Nigerian Army credited the success to synergy with other security forces, a strategy that has proven effective in recent operations across the country. Beyond Imo, coordinated missions in Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States resulted in the rescue of 11 kidnap victims, while 11 suspects linked to armed robbery, gunrunning, and violent extremism were arrested in Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna. In Plateau State, troops recovered 40 stolen cattle, further demonstrating the military’s commitment to restoring order nationwide.

Impact on Southeast Security

The capture of Gentle De Yahoo is a significant blow to IPOB and ESN, groups that have been linked to deadly attacks across Southeast and South-South Nigeria. Okorienta’s arrest weakens the operational capacity of these groups, particularly in Imo State, where his activities have fueled fear and instability. Joe Igbokwe, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the arrest as one of the “biggest catches” by the Nigerian military, highlighting its importance in curbing banditry in the Southeast.

The operation also sends a strong message to other criminal elements in the region. The Imo State Government, alongside the police, has vowed to continue its crackdown on insurgents, with a particular focus on securing the release of abducted individuals like Ngozi Ogbu. The government’s resolve to avoid being blackmailed or deterred from its constitutional duty to protect residents further underscores the determination to restore peace.

Community and Political Reactions

The arrest has sparked widespread jubilation among residents of Imo State, who have endured years of violence attributed to IPOB/ESN operatives. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with discussions about Gentle De Yahoo’s capture, with some users referencing his alleged involvement in high-profile crimes, including the murder of a military couple. While these posts provide insight into public sentiment, they remain inconclusive without official corroboration.

The arrest of Gentle De Yahoo is part of a broader wave of successes by the Nigerian Army in 2025. In Borno State, the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai neutralized eight Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and arrested several others. In Benue, a violent extremist was killed, and charms and a mobile phone were seized, indicating the diverse nature of threats facing the country. These operations reflect a multi-pronged approach to tackling insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping nationwide.

The recovery of military and police uniforms in Okorienta’s possession raises concerns about the infiltration of security forces by criminal elements. Such tactics, often used to deceive communities and authorities, highlight the need for enhanced intelligence and vetting processes within security agencies. The German flag found among the recovered items also prompts questions about potential foreign connections, though no official statement has confirmed such links.