Terror Kingpin Resurfaces: Shocking Video Reveals He’s Alive As DHQ Launches Probe

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that it will look into a widely shared video circulating online that appears to show a wanted terror suspect, Ifeanyi Eze, popularly known as Gentle De Yahoo, despite the military previously announcing that he had been captured.

Eze, an indigene of Imo State in Nigeria’s South-East, was said to have been arrested by troops of Operation Udo Ka during a security operation carried out in the region between October 8 and 13, 2025.

However, on January 28, 2026, a fresh video began trending on social media in which Eze was seen alive, dancing, and issuing threats against individuals he accused of betraying him.

The clip suggested that he had travelled to Akwa Ibom State in the South-South to receive medical care after he and members of his group were allegedly poisoned.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, noted that the footage could have been manipulated or generated using artificial intelligence.

“In this era of AI, it is possible to fabricate anything in order to destabilise society and create panic,” Onoja stated.

He explained that the military would collaborate with other security agencies to confirm whether the video is genuine.

“Nevertheless, we will take the necessary steps with relevant security bodies to determine if he has truly resurfaced,” he added.

Onoja further assured that if it is confirmed that Eze has returned to active operations, the authorities would respond swiftly to neutralise him and his network.

Gentle De Yahoo’s Background And Activities

Eze, who presents himself as a Biafran agitator, has been connected to several violent attacks in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, where he reportedly led armed assaults.

He is believed to be a commander within the Biafra Liberation Army, a group linked to Simon Ekpa, a controversial separatist figure and former leader of the IPOB Autopilot faction.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is an organisation campaigning for the establishment of an independent Biafran state from parts of the South-East and South-South regions.

Earlier reports by Premium Times in September 2025 indicated that Eze and several of his fighters were feared dead after troops raided their hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe LGA, although it remained uncertain at the time whether he was among those killed.

In recent years, insecurity in the South-East has worsened, with repeated attacks carried out by armed groups claiming separatist motives as well as criminal gangs. The Nigerian government has frequently blamed IPOB for many of the deadly incidents.

However, the IPOB faction loyal to Nnamdi Kanu has repeatedly denied involvement. Kanu was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for terrorism in November 2025, while Simon Ekpa was also imprisoned in Finland earlier this year on terrorism-related charges.