The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the capture of Ifeanyi Eze, widely known by his alias Gentle De Yahoo, a notorious commander linked to the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, announced the arrest during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday. He stated that troops of Operation UDO KA apprehended Eze during a military operation conducted between 8 and 13 October 2025 in Imo State.
Eze, long on the military’s wanted list, is suspected of leading a violent faction called the Biafra Liberation Army in Okigwe Local Government Area, a group reportedly established by controversial Biafra separatist Simon Ekpa. Ekpa, who leads a splinter IPOB faction known as Autopilot, was recently convicted of terrorism in Finland.
In the same operation, troops also arrested a female IPOB/ESN logistics collaborator in Umunneochi LGA, Abia State. On October 13, three children related to another wanted ESN commander, Maduabuchi Nwankwo, also known as Emergency, were found in her custody. Authorities revealed she is a relative of Nwankwo.
The military recovered arms, ammunition, and a vehicle from the suspects.
Eze is believed to be behind a series of attacks in Okigwe, including the recent killing of three of his own fighters. While earlier reports in September suggested he may have been killed during a raid in Aku-Ihube community, his status remained unconfirmed until now.
Security in Imo State and across Nigeria’s South-east has continued to deteriorate, with increasing attacks from armed groups and self-proclaimed Biafra agitators. The Nigerian government blames IPOB for much of the violence, although the faction led by Nnamdi Kanu has repeatedly denied involvement.
