Nigerian Forces Capture Wanted IPOB Commander, Eight Associates

The Nigerian military has captured a wanted commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) known as ‘Gentle’ alongside eight accomplices. The arrests took place during targeted operations in Imo and Ebonyi states. Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the development at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Major Offensive Operations Yield Results
Major General Buba stated that ‘Gentle’ had been on the military’s wanted list for his alleged involvement in terrorist activities across the South-East. He detailed that the Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA conducted the successful offensives between October 8 and 13. The operations led to the arrest of the IPOB commander and his associates in Owerri West and Mbaitoli Local Government Areas of Imo State. Additional arrests were made in the Izzi and Ohaukwu Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State.

Weapons and Female Collaborator Captured
During the raids, troops recovered a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and vehicles. In a related development on October 13, a female collaborator allegedly linked to IPOB’s Eastern Security Network (ESN) was apprehended in the Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State. The Defence Headquarters also highlighted other recent operational successes recorded by the armed forces across the country over the past two weeks, underscoring a continued push to curb insecurity. The arrest of the wanted IPOB commander marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to restore peace in the region.