Nigerian military arrests wanted IPOB commander ‘Gentle’ in Imo and Ebonyi States
Troops sustain offensive operations in the South-East
The Nigerian military has arrested a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), identified as Gentle, alongside eight of his accomplices during coordinated operations in Imo and Ebonyi States.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Magnus Kangye, confirmed the arrest at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, noting that the suspect had long been on the military’s wanted list for alleged terrorist activities in the South-East.
Arrest made during series of coordinated raids
According to Kangye, the arrest was made during sustained offensive operations carried out by troops of Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA between 8 and 13 October 2025.
“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,” he said.
Weapons and vehicles recovered during the operation
The Defence spokesman disclosed that several weapons, ammunition, and operational vehicles were recovered during the military operations.
He explained that the raids were part of the armed forces’ renewed push to dismantle criminal hideouts, disrupt terror cells, and restore stability in the South-East geopolitical zone.
“These arrests and recoveries show the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and the commitment of our troops to ending terrorism and criminality in all regions,” Kangye added.
Female collaborator arrested in Abia State
Kangye also revealed that troops arrested a female collaborator linked to IPOB’s Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State on 13 October.
The suspect is alleged to have coordinated logistics and provided intelligence support to the group. She is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation.
Part of wider security operations across Nigeria
The Defence Headquarters noted that the arrest of Gentle is part of broader nationwide operations aimed at combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security challenges.
Major General Kangye said the armed forces had recorded several operational successes in the past two weeks, including the neutralization of terrorists, destruction of their camps, and recovery of sophisticated weapons.
Military reiterates commitment to national security
Reaffirming the armed forces’ resolve, Kangye assured Nigerians that security agencies will not relent until all terrorist networks are dismantled and peace is fully restored.
“Our troops remain vigilant and determined. We urge members of the public to support the military with credible information that can help in identifying and arresting criminal elements,” he stated.
Public urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies
The Defence Headquarters called on residents of the South-East to remain calm, avoid panic, and cooperate with security forces by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
Security analysts have described the arrest of Gentle as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to weaken IPOB/ESN’s operational structure in the region.
