Army Captures IPOB/ESN Commander, Rescues Kidnap Victims in Nationwide Operations

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo.

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

A military statement revealed that 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, and a German flag. Troops also discovered a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the site.

In separate missions across Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States, troops rescued 12 kidnap victims. Five were freed in Madagali, Adamawa; another five in Malumfashi, Katsina; while two were rescued in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Meanwhile, operatives of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, neutralised eight fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State after an early morning ambush near Garin Giwa along the Baga–Cross Kauwa Main Supply Route.

“During the exchange of fire, eight ISWAP terrorists were eliminated, including two Munzirs and one Qaid, while others with gunshot wounds were captured,” the Army stated.