Troops arrest wanted IPOB commander ‘Gentle’, 8 associates in Imo, Ebonyi

The Nigerian Armed Forces have captured a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), known as Gentle, along with eight of his accomplices during a series of coordinated operations in Imo and Ebonyi States.

The development was announced on Thursday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Magnus Kangye, during a press briefing in Abuja.

According to Kangye, Gentle had been on the military’s wanted list for an extended period due to his alleged involvement in terror-related activities and multiple attacks across the South-East region.

“The Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA troops sustained offensive operations throughout the week under review.

Between 8 and 13 October, they conducted several offensives and arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN terrorist commander identified as Gentle, who had been on the troops’ wanted list, alongside eight other criminals in Owerri West and Mbaitoli Local Government Areas of Imo State, as well as Izzi and Ohaukwu Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State,” Kangye said.

According to him, the troops also recovered assorted weapons, ammunition, and vehicles during the raids.

Kangye further revealed that a female collaborator allegedly linked to IPOB’s Eastern Security Network (ESN) was apprehended in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State on October 13.

“The suspect is believed to be one of their logistics suppliers.

During her arrest, three children were found in her custody, and investigations revealed they were the biological children of a wanted IPOB/ESN leader identified as Maduabuchi Nwankwo, also known as ‘Emergency’,” he revealed.

The Defence Headquarters also highlighted other recent operational breakthroughs recorded by the armed forces nationwide over the past two weeks, emphasizing the military’s sustained efforts to curb insecurity and dismantle criminal networks across the country.