Troops Nab IPOB Commander ‘Gentle de Yahoo,’ Rescue Multiple Kidnap Victims
Sele Media Africa
www.selemedia.org
Reported by David Joshua – Sele Media Africa Reporter
September 16, 2025
Troops Nab IPOB Commander ‘Gentle de Yahoo,’ Rescue Multiple Kidnap Victims
In a major breakthrough in the fight against insurgency and kidnapping in Southeastern Nigeria, the Nigerian Army has arrested the notorious IPOB/ESN commander Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta—known as “Gentle de Yahoo”—during a coordinated operation in Imo State and simultaneously rescued several kidnapped victims in other states.[1]
What Happened
• Troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, working with other security agencies, located and arrested Gentle de Yahoo at his hideout in Aku‑Ihube, Okigwe LGA, Imo State.[1]
• During the raid, the military recovered a significant cache of weapons and materials, including:
- An English pistol
- 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
- 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
- One cartridge
- Six mobile phones
- Multiple military and police uniforms
- A German flag
- A workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles
- 10 motorcycles destroyed at the site[1]
Rescue of Kidnap Victims & Other Operations
• Alongside his arrest, coordinated operations were simultaneously carried out in Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States, leading to the rescue of 11 kidnapped victims:
- 5 in Madagali LGA, Adamawa State
- 5 in Kukasheka Ward, Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
- 2 in Lokoja, Kogi State[1]
• Also recovered were stolen cattle in Plateau State which were returned to owners.[1]
Significance
• The arrest of Gentle de Yahoo is seen as a symbolic victory in the drive against IPOB/ESN and criminal gangs terrorizing communities in the South East.[1]
• It underscores the effectiveness of joint operations among military formations and sister security agencies to tackle insurgency, kidnapping, and criminality.[1]
• The rescued victims offer much‑needed relief to families affected by kidnappings and raise hope that similar operations can reduce insecurity in notorious hotspots.[2]
For more updates on security operations and justice initiatives, visit www.selemedia.org.
Citations:
1. abujapress.com: www.abujapress.com/2025/09/nigerian-army-captures-notorious.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/09/troops-arrest-ipob-esn-commander-rescue-12-kidnap-victims/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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