Confusion Erupts: Did The Army Really Nab IPOB’s Feared ‘Gentle De Yahoo

Reports circulated on Tuesday alleging that troops of the Nigerian Army had arrested a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified as Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo.

The viral claims suggested that the wanted ESN commander was captured during a joint operation by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade and other security agencies at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.

However, security analyst Zagazola Makama debunked the reports, stating that neither the Nigerian Army nor its Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) had made any official announcement on the alleged arrest. He described the news of Gentle de Yahoo’s capture as “false and fabricated,” urging the public to rely only on verified military updates and credible media sources.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army confirmed that its troops had conducted operations in the same area but did not apprehend the IPOB/ESN commander. Instead, soldiers recovered one English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, six mobile phones, police and military uniforms, and a German flag from the hideout. A stolen vehicle workshop was also uncovered and 10 motorcycles destroyed.

In separate operations within the last 24 hours, the army reported rescuing multiple kidnapped victims in Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States, as well as neutralising terrorists in Katsina and Benue. Several suspects linked to armed robbery, gunrunning, and extremist activities were also arrested across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna.

The Army emphasized that while it could not yet confirm whether Gentle de Yahoo was killed or had escaped during the raid, his network had been significantly weakened.

“We are in the process of confirming the true situation,” the Army said. “In due time, Nigerians will be informed whether Gentle de Yahoo has been killed or if he managed to escape.”