Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested an Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) commander in Imo State and rescued 11 kidnap victims in Adamawa and Katsina States.
LEADERSHIP gathered that troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, in a joint operation with sister services, arrested a notorious IPOB/ESN kingpin, Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta (aka Gentle de Yahoo), at his hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe local government area of Imo State.
The operation led to the recovery of one English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one cartridge, six mobile phones, military and police uniforms, and a German flag.
The troops also uncovered a workshop where stolen vehicles were dismantled for resale, in addition to destroying 10 motorcycles found at the scene.
Similarly, troops rescued 11 kidnap victims in Adamawa and Katsina States.
According to military sources, five kidnapped persons were freed and reunited with their families in Madagali local government area of Adamawa State.
In Katsina State, another five kidnapped victims were rescued at Kukasheka Ward in Malumfashi local government area, while two others were freed in Lokoja local government area of Kogi State.
Also in Katsina State, soldiers neutralised two terrorists in separate encounters, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a motorcycle.
In Benue State, troops neutralised one extremist, seized a mobile phone and assorted charms.
Furthermore, 11 suspects were arrested in different locations in Benue, Kogi and Kaduna States for armed robbery, gunrunning and violent extremist activities.
In addition, the troops recovered 40 rustled cattle in Plateau State and returned them to their rightful owners.
