Gentle de Yahoo pictured alongside Nigerian Army commander in split image after Imo State operation.
The suspect was apprehended in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area, Imo State, during a joint security operation.
The operation was conducted by the 34 Artillery Brigade in collaboration with other security agencies deployed in the region.
IPOB commander captured in Imo
The Army disclosed that several weapons and items were recovered from the hideout during the raid in Okigwe.
The seized items included an English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
Other materials found were a cartridge, six mobile phones, military uniforms, police uniforms, and a German flag.
The troops uncovered a workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles and destroyed ten motorcycles discovered on the site.
According to the Army, the arrest is part of its broader mission to weaken armed groups in the southeast region.
Troops rescue kidnap victims in three states
In related operations, security forces rescued twelve kidnap victims across Adamawa, Katsina, and Kogi States.
Five captives were freed in Madagali, Adamawa State, during a swift counter-kidnapping operation.
Another five victims were rescued in Malumfashi, Katsina State, following a raid on criminal hideouts.
Two additional victims were rescued in Lokoja, Kogi State, after troops intercepted armed abductors along a major route.
The Army stated that the operations were executed simultaneously to prevent the regrouping of criminal networks.
ISWAP fighters neutralised in Borno ambush
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army reported the neutralisation of eight ISWAP fighters in Borno State during an early morning clash.
The incident occurred along the Garin Giwa axis of the Baga–Cross Kauwa Main Supply Route during a suspected ambush attempt.
The Army confirmed that the neutralised insurgents included two Munzirs and one Qaid, identified by their ranks within ISWAP.
According to officials, several other fighters sustained gunshot injuries and were arrested after the encounter.
The troops were part of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai stationed in the region.
Military expands counter-insurgency operations
The Army said the operations are designed to maintain national security and safeguard civilians across volatile regions of Nigeria.
The Nigerian Army has highlighted recent successes in intercepting arms and rescuing captives in different theatres of operation.
It added that the coordinated raids form a nationwide strategy against insurgents, kidnappers, and separatist elements.
Security analysts note that the growing number of joint operations reflects a stronger approach to national security threats.
The Army maintains that its strategy is focused on dismantling armed groups and preventing the spread of violence.
Weapons and intelligence recovered
Recovered weapons are undergoing forensic analysis to trace supply routes and links to other armed groups across the country.
Military uniforms seized in the Imo raid are also being examined to determine possible cases of impersonation by armed groups.
The Army emphasised that intelligence gathered from the operations would be used to launch follow-up raids in coming weeks.
It further stated that citizens are encouraged to report suspicious movements to local security formations for rapid intervention.
According to military spokesmen, the arrests and rescues form part of “sustained efforts to ensure peace and stability nationwide.”
