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Nigerian Army on Tuesday announced they have arrested a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Eastern Security Network, ESN, identified as Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo.
Okorienta was reported to have been captured in his hideout at Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade in a joint operation with sister security agencies.
According to the military, the operation led to the recovery of several exhibits, a cache of arms and items, including one English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, a cartridge, six mobile phones, military and police uniforms, as well as a German flag.
Troops also said they uncovered a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles for resale and destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the scene.
Military intelligence reports suggest he was responsible for organizing “enforcement squads” that carried out violent attacks whenever residents defied sit-at-home orders in parts of Anambra and Imo.
For years, residents of the South East have been living under a blanket of fear as gunmen linked to Gentle De Yahoo unleashed terror on communities.
He was accused of being responsible for the series of kidnappings and mindless killings going on in the southeast region, including the killing and beheading of a couple serving in the Nigerian military when they traveled to Imo state for their wedding.
A sigh of relief
While many are jubilant, some cautioned that the capture of Gentle De Yahoo does not mean the end of the crisis.
Reacting to the development, the Jackson Omenazu-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged other fighters to lay down their arms as their days of terror were over.
In a statement on Wednesday, signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Chief Chinemeze Ohia, National Spokesman, the Igbo group lauded the Federal Government for apprehending Gentle De Yahoo.
It described Gentle De Yahoo as “the self-proclaimed leader of the AUTO PILOT MILITIA, and the nonexistent Biafran Army.”
“We commend the exemplary preparedness and unwavering commitment demonstrated by the Federal Government, through the esteemed Office of the National Security Adviser, the Honorable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, and the distinguished Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, in their decisive action to bring an end to the pervasive suffering and crippling insecurity that have plagued our beloved Southeast region.
“This affliction has been directly attributable to the violent extremism and criminal acts perpetrated by various armed Biafran groups, ostensibly fighting for self-determination, but in reality, inflicting untold hardship on the Igbo people.
“These groups, spearheaded by the detained Simon Ekpa and his AUTO-PILOTS, have been instrumental in the unlawful enforcement of the destructive “Monday Sit-at-Home” order, effectively crippling the Southeast’s economy, driving away vital local and foreign investment, and creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
“For the past four years, the notorious AUTO-PILOT MILITIA, under the ruthless leadership of individuals like Gentle De Yahoo, has unleashed a reign of terror across the Southeast.
“They are directly responsible for the systematic displacement of thousands from their ancestral homes, the destruction of businesses and farmlands, and the senseless slaughter of innocent civilians.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, compelled by the gravity of the situation, must unequivocally convey this harsh reality to the remnants of the AUTO-PILOTS and all other criminal elements operating under the guise of freedom fighters and Biafra agitators: Lay down your arms immediately.
“The era of impunity is over. The days of reckoning and the judgment of the law have arrived. There is no sanctuary, no escape from justice.
“We unequivocally condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the atrocities and brutalities inflicted upon the people of the Southeast for four long years.
“To those still hiding in the bushes, preying upon our communities, we issue this unequivocal directive: Vacate immediately.
“The days of terror have ended. The Igbo people, united and resolute, are rising to reclaim their land and their dignity.
“The arrest of Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, “GENTLE DE YAHOO,” has been met with widespread jubilation, particularly in Okigwe and across Imo State.
“We anticipate the return of displaced villagers, the revitalization of the Okigwe environment, and the complete cessation of terrorist activities in the affected boundary communities of Anambra State, all of which were devastated by Gentle De Yahoo’s reign of terror and destruction.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo extends its profound gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the gallant soldiers of the 34 Brigade in Obinze, Imo State, for their dedicated service.
“The people of the Southeast Region are eternally grateful to the Federal Government for its decisive action in bringing to an end the era of terrorism orchestrated by Gentle De Yahoo and his associates.
“This decisive move is a testament to the commitment of the Nigerian state to protect and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of its citizens.
“We call upon all Igbo sons and daughters to embrace peace, dialogue, and reconciliation as we collectively rebuild our region and forge a brighter future for generations to come,” the statement reads.
Also reacting, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Joe Igbokwe, said that the South East has been liberated.
Igbokwe in a Facebook post accused Gentle De Yahoo of killing more than a thousand Igbos between 2015 and 2025.
He said: “Nigerian Military has made the biggest catch in the South East Nigeria by capturing a notorious bandit and killer called ‘Gentle’. That man may have killed more than a thousand Igbo from 2015 to 2025. SE has been liberated. Thank you PBAT.”
A top Igbo stakeholder who spoke in confidence said the arrest has rekindled hope that peace may gradually return to the troubled region.
“Every Monday, we are forced to stay indoors because of fear. These so-called commanders thrive on intimidation. Hearing that one of them has been caught is good news for people like us.
“These criminals killing Igbos in the name of Biafra have done a lot of evil beyond human imagination. At least it’s a reprieve for our people. We left them so long to unleash such an amount of destruction on our land,” he said.
Across the various social media, similar voices of jubilation echoed, with some expressing a renewed sense of confidence that peace might return to the south east.
Some of them who reacted on X platform expressed their feelings thus: @Kitikpa wrote: “This is Gentle the Yahoo, he was a commissioned political assassin used to eliminate political opponents under the guise of freedom fighting.”
@Suzzy4U wrote: “Nne please can you confirm gentle de yahoo has been arrested am reserving my celebration until your confirmation is so I can take my friends out.”
@Kamzy wrote: “Glory be to God gentle de Yahoo has been arrested. This is a big breakthrough to restoring peace in imo state and neighboring SE States. All enemies of Igbo land will never go unpunished.”
Also, @Mayor of Oru nation wrote: “The capturing of Gentle de Yahoo alive is the end of insecurity in the SE and an enthronement of peace in Ala Igbo. What an end to era of madness in SE. Kudos to our security personnel for a work well done”.
While, @FabulosFaga wrote: “No cartel group in the Southeast is deadl!er than the one managed by this guy called Gentle the Yahoo. If you fall into their hands, you will see your death while still alive. They’re very deadly to a length that many people are very scared of saying a word against them.”
