Fresh panic has spread across parts of Imo State and the wider South-east following the reappearance of Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, popularly known as Gentle De Yahoo, months after the Nigerian military announced his capture.
The notorious gunman appeared in a video circulating on social media, claiming he is alive and in good health. In the footage, he alleged that he was poisoned during the period he was believed to have been arrested or killed but survived the attempt on his life.
Gentle De Yahoo is widely linked to a wave of violent attacks, kidnappings and killings in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State and parts of neighbouring states. His resurfacing has renewed fear among residents who had earlier believed security forces had neutralised him.
In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that troops of Operation UDO KA had captured a notorious terror kingpin identified as Mr Eze during operations carried out between October 8 and 13 in the South-east. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, said the suspect was a commander of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The military said the suspect had been on a wanted list for crimes committed across parts of Imo and Ebonyi states, and that arms, ammunition and a vehicle were recovered during the operation. A female collaborator allegedly involved in logistics support was also arrested.
However, earlier reports in September 2025 suggested that Gentle De Yahoo was feared killed when troops raided a hideout in Aku-Ihube, Okigwe LGA. Military sources later admitted there was no confirmation that he was among those neutralised, creating confusion over his fate.
Gentle De Yahoo is believed to be a commander of the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA) operating in Okigwe, a group linked to Simon Ekpa, leader of the Autopilot faction of IPOB, who has since been jailed in Finland on terrorism charges.
His latest appearance has raised fresh questions about the effectiveness of security operations in Imo State, where attacks by armed groups have continued despite repeated military offensives. Residents say fear has again returned to many communities, amid concerns that the fugitive gunman and his fighters may resume violent activities.
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