The Nigerian Army says it has arrested a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State.
The commander, identified as Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, also known as Gentle de Yahoo, was captured in his hideout at Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area. The arrest happened during a joint operation carried out by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade and other security agencies.
Army officials said the raid led to the recovery of weapons and other items.
“Troops found 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,” the Army said in a statement.
The troops also discovered a workshop where stolen vehicles were dismantled for resale. They destroyed 10 motorcycles found at the site.
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In separate operations, soldiers rescued 12 kidnapped victims in Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States. Five people were freed in Madagali, Adamawa; another five in Malumfashi, Katsina; and two in Lokoja, Kogi.
Meanwhile, troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, killed eight fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State. The clash happened in the early hours of Monday when terrorists laid an ambush near Garin Giwa along the Baga–Cross Kauwa supply route.
“During the exchange of fire, eight ISWAP fighters were neutralised, including two Munzirs and one Qaid,” the Army said.
Several other fighters with gunshot wounds were arrested.