Troops Nab IPOB Commander, Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a notorious 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 the troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, in a joint operation with sister services and other security agencies, arrested a notorious IPOB/ESN kingpin, Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta a.k.a. 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, 1 cartridge, 6 mobile phones, military and police uniforms and a German flag.

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.

Meanwhile, in Katsina State, another 5 kidnapped victims were rescued at Kukasheka Ward in Malumfashi local government area, while two others were rescued in Lokoja local government area of Kogi State.

Relatedly in Katsina State, soldiers neutralised two terrorists in separate encounters, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and a motorcycle.

Also in Benue State, the Nigerian Army troops neutralised one violent extremist, seized a mobile phone and assorted charms.

Furthermore, 11 suspects were arrested in different locations across Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States for armed robbery, gunrunning, and violent extremist activities.

In addition, troops also recovered 40 rustled cattle in Plateau State, which were returned to their rightful owners.