In a significant continuation of its robust security operations in the South-East the Nigerian Army has confirmed the neutralization of a notorious Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB Eastern Security Network ESN commander identified simply as Alhaji. This successful operation comes on the heels of earlier widespread—albeit unconfirmed—reports of the alleged capture of another commander known as Gentle de Yahoo underscoring the militarys intensified efforts to dismantle the insurgent network in the region .
The Elimination of Commander Alhaji
The latest operation which has been officially confirmed by military authorities took place between October 8 and 11 2025 Troops of Sector 2 Operation UDO KA acting on credible intelligence tracked down and successfully engaged the wanted IPOB ESN commander in his hideout located in Ezza-Eyimaggu Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State .
According to the Nigerian Army the commander identified by his alias Alhaji was neutralized after a brief scuffle during which he reportedly attempted to disarm one of the soldiers involved in his arrest The elimination of Alhaji marks a major victory in the ongoing fight against criminal elements responsible for the spate of violence kidnappings and enforcement of illegal sit-at-home orders across parts of the South-East .
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Part of a Nationwide Sweep
The successful raid in Ebonyi was not an isolated incident but rather a crucial component of a broader coordinated intelligence-driven operation conducted by Nigerian Army troops across multiple regions of the country including the North East North West North Central and South-South The nationwide operation which lasted several days reportedly led to the neutralization of at least 26 terrorists and criminal elements in total the arrest of 22 suspects the rescue of several kidnapped victims and the recovery of substantial arms and logistics items .
In addition to the elimination of Alhaji in Ebonyi military operations in the South-East zone saw other significant results For instance troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade on patrol in Mbaotoli LGA Imo State discovered and destroyed an IPOB ESN shrine This shrine was reportedly used for the indoctrination and planning of criminal activities effectively crippling a key logistical and ideological center for the separatist groups armed wing .
The Preceding Gentle de Yahoo Report
The confirmation of Alhaji s death follows a period of intense public discourse and conflicting reports regarding another alleged IPOB commander known by the alias Gentle de Yahoo whose full name was rumored to be Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta .
Earlier reports which circulated widely across various social media platforms had claimed that the Nigerian Army had successfully arrested Gentle de Yahoo in Aku-Ihube Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State with claims of extensive recovery of arms and uniforms However security sources and military fact-checkers later flagged these reports stating that the Nigerian Army had not released any official statement confirming the capture of an individual by that name or alias .
The subsequent official announcement of the killing of Commander Alhaji in Ebonyi brings a concrete confirmation to the public shifting the narrative from unverified social media claims to an established military success in the relentless campaign against the destabilizing forces in the region .
Military Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
The Nigerian Army through its official channels has consistently reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to restoring and maintaining peace and security across the country The recent coordinated operations particularly the elimination of high-profile commanders like Alhaji are intended to significantly degrade the operational capabilities of the IPOB ESN network .
The Army s stated objective is to create a safer and more secure environment which is crucial for stimulating economic activities facilitating agricultural productivity and fostering a return to normalcy in the long-suffering communities of the South-East Security authorities continue to urge citizens to support these efforts by providing timely and credible intelligence that can help track down and neutralize other criminal networks operating in the region .
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources concerning military operations against non-state armed groups Readers should cross-check updates and specific details from official news outlets and the Nigerian Army s official communication channels to ensure they have the most current and accurate information This report is for informational purposes only .