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The Nigerian military high command on Thursday gave insight into how they captured wanted self-styled Biafra Liberation Army (BLA) Commander, Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta popularly known as ‘Gentle de Yahoo,’ who has been on the military’s wanted list for sometime.
The BLA is an offshoot of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) under the leadership of imprisoned leader, Simon Ekpa.
Earlier in September, there were erroneous reports that troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, in conjunction with other security forces, conducted a joint operation where they arrested the said Gentle Yahoo in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State, and recovered arms, ammunition, uniforms, motorcycles, and even a German flag from his hideout.
But briefing journalists on the operation of the Defence headquarters, Director of Media Operationns, Major General Markus Kangye said the Biafra militant was was captured by troops of the military’s task force, Operation Udo Ka.
According to General Kangye: “Troops of Operation UDO KA sustained offensive posture throughout the week under review. Between 8 – 13 October 2025, troops conducted offensive operations and arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists commander identified as Gentle who was on troops wanted list alongside 8 other criminals in Owerri West and Mbaitoli LGAs of Imo State as well as Izzi and Ohaukwu LGAs of Ebonyi State. Weapons, ammunition and vehicle were recovered from them.
“Additionally, a female IPOB/ESN collaborator who also was believed to be one of their logistics supplier was arrested in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State on 13 October 2025. During the arrest, 3 children whose investigation revealed were biological children to a wanted IPOB/ESN leader identified as Maduabuchi Nwankwo otherwise known as Emergency were found in her custody. It was further revealed that the terrorist leader is also her relation.”
General Kangye also highlighted other successes recorded by the security agencies in other parts of the country.
Below is full text of his address.
WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING ON THE ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA FOR THE WEEK ENDING FROM 9 – 16 OCTOBER 2025
OPENING REMARKS
1. I’m pleased to begin today’s briefing by acknowledging the continued dedication, discipline, and professionalism of our armed forces. Over the past weeks, we have recorded significant successes across various operational theaters, reflecting the strength of our strategic planning and the courage of our personnel on the ground, in the air, and at sea. From counterterrorism efforts to peacekeeping missions and joint exercises with our allies, each operation underscores our commitment to national security, regional stability and international cooperation. These accomplishments are a testament not only to the capabilities of our forces but also to the partnerships we continue to strengthen globally. While we still have challenges in some areas, our recent successes serve as both a milestone and a motivation to remain focused, vigilant and mission-ready.
2. Overall, troops recovered large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices making materials. Also, some cache of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were discovered. As usual, I will highlight the operational successes of JTF NE OPHK, JTF NW OPFY and the 2 JTF in the NC; OPEP and OPWS. Thereafter, I will give a brief overview of the successes recorded by JTF SS OPDS and JTF SE OPUK.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH EAST OPERATION HADIN KAI
3. The Joint Task Force North East OPERATION HADIN KAI (OPHK) during the week ending, sustained operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists’ freedom of action in the North East region. Our ground forces in conjunction with the Air Component and Hybrid forces as well as local security groups, conducted aggressive operations across the theatre. During these operations, our troops eliminated several terrorists and arrested their informants and logistics suppliers. They also recovered some weapons and dismantled terrorists’ networks. Their efforts paved ways for the safe resettlement of displaced persons and unimpeded farming activities. For instance, from 8 – 16 October 2025, troops conducted both kinetic and non-kinetic operations against terrorists in Konduga, Magumeri, Gubio, Nganzai, Monguno, Kaga and Mobbar LGAs of Borno State. Similar operations were conducted in Mubi South and Yunusari LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe States. During the encounters, scores of the terrorists were killed in action. Also, 16 of their collaborators, informants, sympathizers and spies were arrested, while 7 kidnapped victims were rescued. Some quantities of arms and ammunition, vehicles, PMS and the sum of N5,140,000.00 were also recovered, while their camps were destroyed. Recovered weapons are in troops’ custody.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH WEST OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
4. Troops of OPFY sustained operational tempo throughout the week with significant outcomes. During fire fights, some terrorists were killed in action and kidnapped victims rescued. For instance, from 8 – 15 October 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Tangaza, Illela, Isa, Gudu, Wurno and Goronyo LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Anka, Gusau, Maru and Bukkuyum and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State. They also conducted operations in Arewa and Augie LGAs of Kebbi State, with similar operations conducted in Birnin Gwari and Lere LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops also conducted operations in Rijau and Borgu LGAs of Niger State. During these operations, several terrorists were killed in action, 14 of them were arrested, while 6 kidnapped victims were rescued. Weapons, vehicles, livestocks and other household items were recovered from them.
5. Relatedly, between 8 – 10 October 2025, troops on offensive operation, arrested one suspected gunrunner and 2 drug catels in Lere and Shinkafi LGAs of Kaduna and Zamfara States. Troops recovered 1,307 live ammunition, 6 mobile phones, vehicles, large quantities of canabis/ice, motorcycles and the sum of N227,000.00 from them.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION ENDURING PEACE
6. During the period under review, troops of OP ENDURING PEACE responded to distress calls about terrorists’ activities in some sectors. For instance, from 8 – 14 October 2025, troops conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls on terrorists’ activities in Riyom, Jos South, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Mangu and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State as well as Jemaá and Zangon Kataf LGAs of Kaduna State. During the firefights, some extremists were killed in action, while 11 of them were arrested. Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, vehicles were recovered from them.
7. In another development, 4 suspects were arrainged before a Magistrate Court in Jos South LGA of Plateau State on 8 October 2025. The suspects were charged for conspiracy, theft and were pleaded guilty. Suspects were Sentence to one year imprisonment each.
JOINT TASK FORCE NORTH CENTRAL OPERATION WHIRL STROKE
8. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded some successes in their Area of Responsibility during the week. They conducted operations
between 8 – 14 October 2025 in Ibbi, Takum, Bali and Wukari LGAs of Taraba State as well as Logo, Gwer West and Ukum LGAs of Benue State. They also conducted operations in Awe and Bassa LGAs of Nasarawa and Kogi States. Similar operations were conducted in Bwari Area Council of the FCT. During the operations, troops killed some criminals in action, arrested 12 suspected other, while 17 kidnapped victims were rescued. Some arms and ammunition, vehicles and livestocks were recovered from them.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH-SOUTH OPERATION DELTA SAFE
9. In Operation DELTA SAFE theatre, troops foiled oil theft worth over Ninety Eight Million Seven Hundred and Five Thousand Four Hundred and Ninety Five Naira (N98,705,495.00) only. The breakdown indicates; 92,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,575 litres of AGO, 660 litres of DPK and 5,000 litres of PMS. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 11 crude oil cooking
ovens, 7 dugout pits, 9 boats, 14 storage tanks and 7 illegal refining sites. Furthermore, 13 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.
10. Relatedly, between 9 – 12 October 2025, troops conducted offensive operation in Ethiope East,Ughelli South, Ndokwa, Okpe and Warri LGAs of Delta State. They also conducted similar operations in Ahoada East and Toru LGAs of Rivers State. During the operations, 9 criminals were arrested. Some weapons and ammunition as well as a vehicle were recovered from them.
JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OPERATION UDO KA
11. Troops of Operation UDO KA sustained offensive posture throughout the week under review. Between 8 – 13 October 2025, troops conducted offensive operations and arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists commander identified as Gentle who was on troops wanted list alongside 8 other criminals in Owerri West and Mbaitoli LGAs of Imo State as well as Izzi and Ohaukwu LGAs of Ebonyi State. Weapons, ammunition and vehicle were recovered from them.
11. Additionally, a female IPOB/ESN collaborator who also was behieved to be one of their logistics supplier was arrested in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State
on 13 October 2025. During the arrest, 3 children whose investigation revealed were biological childred to a wanted IPOB/ESN leader identified as Maduabuchi Nwankwo otherwise known as Emergency were found in her custody. It was further revealed that the terrorist leader is also her relation.
CLOSING REMARKS
12. I want to once again commend the gallant officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering dedication and courage in the face of evolving security challenges. Our recent operational successes-whether in counter-terrorism, anti-banditry, maritime security, or joint internal operations-are not just victories on the battlefield, but clear demonstrations of our resolve to secure every inch of our nation. These achievements are the result of coordinated efforts, intelligence-driven strategies, and the continued support of patriotic Nigerians.
13. We also acknowledge the sacrifices made by our personnel, particularly, those who have paid the ultimate price and those who continue to serve with honour and distinction. Their bravery inspires us to press forward until peace and stability are fully restored across all regions. Let me assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain committed, resilient, and ever-ready to uphold our constitutional mandate. Together, with the cooperation of all stakeholders and the support of the public, we will continue to advance towards a safer and more secure Nigeria.
Thank you,
God bless the Armed Forces of Nigeria
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Signed
MARKUS KANGYE
Major General
Director Defence Media Operations
16 October, 2025
