The Nigerian army said it has arrested a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/ Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified as Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo.
The army made the announcement on Tuesday.
Okorienta was reported to have been captured in his hideout at Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in a joint operation with sister security agencies.
According to the military, the operation led to the recovery of several exhibits such as cache of arms, including 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, as well as a German flag.
Troops also said they uncovered a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the scene.
Military intelligence reports suggest he was responsible for organizing “enforcement squads” that carried out violent attacks whenever residents defied sit-at-home orders in parts of Anambra and Imo.
For years, residents of the South East have been living under a blanket of fear as gunmen linked to Gentle De Yahoo unleashed terror on communities.
He was accused of being responsible for the series of kidnappings and mindless killings in the sout-heast region, including the killing and beheading of a couple serving in the Nigerian military when they traveled to Imo State for their wedding.
