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The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo.
Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, working with other security agencies, apprehended the suspect at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to the Army, 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.
Troops also discovered a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles recovered at the scene.
The Army said coordinated operations were carried out in Adamawa, Katsina and Kogi States, where 11 kidnap victims were rescued. Five were freed in Madagali, Adamawa; another five in Malumfashi, Katsina; and one in Lokoja, Kogi. Two terrorists were killed in Katsina, with an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a motorcycle recovered.
In Benue, soldiers killed a violent extremist and seized charms and a mobile phone. Eleven suspects linked to armed robbery, gunrunning and violent extremism were also arrested across Benue, Kogi and Kaduna States.
Troops in Plateau State recovered 40 stolen cattle and returned them to their owners. The Army attributed the successes to joint operations with sister security agencies.