The Nigerian Army says it has arrested a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) Eastern Security Network (ESN), Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo, during a raid in Imo State.
The operation, carried out on Sunday, was based on what officials described as “credible intelligence” about the militant’s hideouts.
Troops reportedly recovered an English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62 NATO ammunition, a live cartridge, six mobile phones, as well as police and military uniforms. Soldiers also uncovered a criminal workshop allegedly used for dismantling stolen vehicles belonging to kidnap victims, where 10 motorcycles were destroyed.
Military authorities said the operation dealt “a major blow” to IPOB/ESN operations, which have been linked to kidnappings, arms trafficking, impersonation, and the illegal sale of stolen vehicle parts across the South-East.
Despite the Army’s announcement, many Nigerians remain skeptical. Citizens across social media platforms have demanded that the military parade Gentle de Yahoo publicly to confirm his arrest, noting past instances where similar claims later proved unverified.
For many, the issue is not only about security but also about trust in government institutions. They argue that without visible evidence, security agencies risk fueling rumors and distrust in an already volatile environment that could endanger peoples lives.
Gentle de Yahoo was once the second-in-command to the late Ikonso, a feared ESN commander killed in 2021. His reign has been marked by extreme violence. In a footage reported by NN News Media, he was seen accusing three of his men of betrayal before executing them for allegedly using his “Igwe” title to rob civilians against his orders. The execution, reportedly filmed in Aku community, underlined the brutality and growing internal rifts within IPOB/ESN factions.
His operations are believed to be concentrated in the Okigwe and Orlu regions of Imo State hotspots of clashes between separatist groups, government forces, and criminal gangs.
The controversy over Gentle de Yahoo’s arrest coincides with major international developments involving IPOB leadership abroad. A Finnish court has sentenced Simon Ekpa, a self-styled successor to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, to six years in prison.
Ekpa, a lawyer and vocal activist, was found guilty of terrorism-related offenses, tax fraud, and violations of Finland’s Lawyers Act. The court ruled that between 2021 and 2024, he used his online platforms to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East and facilitated the supply of weapons and explosives to militant groups. He has denied all charges and is expected to appeal the ruling.
Security analysts say the conviction highlights the extent of international scrutiny facing separatist movements and their funding networks. Nigerians, meanwhile, are drawing comparisons arguing that while Finland provided clear evidence and a transparent judicial process, the Nigerian Army must also show proof if it wants the public to trust its claims.
Observers warn that without a centralized command, IPOB/ESN is splintering into violent factions led by militant warlords such as Gentle de Yahoo. The execution video and Ekpa’s conviction both underscore the growing danger of escalating brutality and competing loyalties.
Analysts fear this could lead not only to more infighting among separatist groups but also to greater risks for civilians caught in the middle of the conflict.
