The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of 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.

Okorienta was captured at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, during a joint operation carried out by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with other security agencies.

According to the military, the raid led to the recovery of a cache of arms and other items, including:One English pistol,

120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, One cartridge, Six mobile phones,

Military and police uniforms, A German flag,

Troops also uncovered a workshop allegedly used for dismantling stolen vehicles for resale, while 10 motorcycles discovered at the scene were destroyed.

Military intelligence reports indicate that Okorienta coordinated “enforcement squads” that terrorized communities in Imo and Anambra States, attacking residents who defied sit-at-home orders.

For years, residents of the South East have lived under fear as gunmen linked to Gentle De Yahoo allegedly unleashed violence, including kidnappings and killings. He is accused of masterminding several brutal attacks, among them the killing and beheading of a military couple who had traveled to Imo State for their wedding.