Residents of parts of Imo and neighbouring South-east states have been thrown into fresh panic following the resurfacing of Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle De Yahoo, months after the Nigerian military announced his capture.
Gentle De Yahoo, a suspected commander linked to the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliates, appeared in a video currently circulating on social media in which he claimed to be alive and well. In the footage, the notorious gunman alleged that he was poisoned during a recent period of uncertainty over his fate but survived the attempt on his life.
His reappearance has reignited fears in Imo State, particularly in Okigwe Local Government Area, where he has been linked to a series of violent attacks, killings and kidnappings. The development has also raised questions about earlier claims by the military regarding his arrest or possible death during security operations in the region.
In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced the capture of a “notorious terror kingpin” during operations carried out by troops of Operation UDO KA between October 8 and 13 in the South-east. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, told journalists in Abuja that the suspect, identified as Mr Eze, was a commander of IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
According to the military, Mr Eze had been on a wanted list alongside several other suspects operating across parts of Imo and Ebonyi states. The DHQ also disclosed the arrest of a female IPOB/ESN collaborator believed to be a logistics supplier, as well as the recovery of arms, ammunition and a vehicle during the operations.
However, military sources later admitted there was uncertainty over whether Gentle De Yahoo was among those killed or captured when troops raided a suspected hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe LGA, in September 2025. At the time, reports suggested he and some of his fighters were feared dead, sparking public celebration across parts of Imo State.
Gentle De Yahoo is widely believed to be a commander of the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA) operating in Okigwe, a group reportedly established by Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based separatist figure and leader of the Autopilot faction of IPOB. Ekpa has since been jailed in Finland on terrorism-related charges.
In past videos, Gentle De Yahoo claimed he was initially drafted to Orlu and Okigwe zones to combat kidnappers and criminal gangs but later fell out with his alleged sponsors. He has also been accused of personally executing some of his aides, videos of which circulated widely and reportedly triggered intensified security operations against him.
The resurfacing of the gunman has revived painful memories for residents, many of whom recall previous instances where he was reported arrested or killed, only for such claims to later prove false. Security analysts say the latest development underscores the persistent security challenges in Imo State and the wider South-east, where attacks by armed groups and criminal gangs have continued despite repeated military offensives.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Defence Headquarters nor the Imo State government had officially reacted to the new video, but residents say fear has once again gripped communities in Okigwe and surrounding areas amid concerns that Gentle De Yahoo and his fighters may resume attacks.