The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their courageous and well-coordinated operation that led to the arrest of the notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN), popularly known as Gentle de Yahoo, identified as Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta.
The group described him as the mastermind behind the wave of killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks across the South-East, particularly in Imo State.
HURIWA, however, expressed concern over the military’s failure to provide practical evidence that the suspect was indeed captured alive, describing the development as troubling. It also noted that human rights violations by military operatives during internal security operations in Nigeria remain rampant, with the South-East witnessing some of the most brutal killings of innocent Igbo youths by armed security forces, including the police, Department of State Services, and state-run vigilantes in Imo State.
The rights group affirmed that Amnesty International’s recent report documenting large-scale killings of Igbo youths was accurate and credible, urging heads of the various armed security services to enforce strict compliance with rules of engagement, and maintain zero tolerance for corruption, extrajudicial killings, and unprofessional conduct among operatives. HURIWA stressed that security officers found culpable in the killing of innocent citizens must be identified, prosecuted, and punished for crimes against humanity.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, HURIWA described the arrest, if confirmed as announced by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Magnus Kangye, as “a landmark breakthrough” and “a major moral victory” for the Nigerian military in its sustained efforts to restore peace and order in the region.
The Association noted that Gentle de Yahoo’s reign of terror had inflicted severe hardship on several communities, particularly in Okigwe, Orsu, and Arondizuogu, where he allegedly coordinated brutal attacks and extortion operations. According to verified security reports cited by HURIWA, troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation UDO KA, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended Gentle de Yahoo and eight of his accomplices in coordinated offensives across Imo and Ebonyi States. During the raid, the military recovered an English pistol, assorted ammunition, police and military uniforms, six mobile phones, and several operational motorcycles and vehicles used in terror operations.
HURIWA recalled that the arrested commander had long been on the military’s wanted list for masterminding multiple acts of terror, including kidnappings, community invasions, and targeted killings in Imo State. Among his most brutal atrocities, the Association noted, was his alleged orchestration of the massacre in Arondizuogu, where gunmen loyal to his network invaded three communities—Umualaoma, Ndiakuwanta, and Ndiejezie—killing over 30 people earlier this year.
Describing the development as “the fall of a major pillar of organised terror in the South-East,” HURIWA urged the Nigerian military to build on this momentum by dismantling the remaining cells of violent agitators still operating under the guise of secessionist movements. The Association called for sustained, intelligence-led operations while promoting collaboration with traditional rulers, local vigilantes, and community-based intelligence networks. It emphasised that meaningful civilian cooperation and timely intelligence sharing are essential to consolidating the military’s progress.
The group also commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for his visionary leadership and renewed professionalism across the Armed Forces. HURIWA credited him with restoring discipline, coordination, and respect for human rights in counter-terrorism operations, which has helped rebuild public confidence in the military.
HURIWA further called on the federal government to improve the welfare and remuneration of military personnel, especially those serving in high-risk areas. It stressed that adequate funding, timely payment of allowances, and better logistics would sustain troop morale and enhance operational performance nationwide.
The group urged residents in the South-East to complement the military’s efforts through vigilance, intelligence sharing, and moral support, adding that lasting peace and security can only be achieved through collective responsibility involving citizens, community leaders, and security agencies.
While reiterating its support for the Armed Forces, HURIWA appealed to the Defence Headquarters to ensure that all suspects arrested in connection with violent crimes are prosecuted in accordance with due process to serve as a deterrent to others undermining peace and unity. The Association expressed optimism that with continued coordination, improved logistics, and nationwide cooperation, Nigeria will soon witness a sharp decline in violent extremism and criminal activity.
