The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation UDO KA have arrested a notorious IPOB/ESN commander, Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, also known as Gentle de Yahoo in Imo.

A credible source at the Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the success was recorded during a raid in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo.

He said the operation was carried out on Sunday, following credible intelligence on the hideouts of the criminal kingpin.

The source said troops recovered an English pistol, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62 NATO ammunition, a live cartridge, six mobile phones, as well as police and military uniforms.

He added that the troops also uncovered a criminal workshop used for dismantling stolen vehicles of kidnapped victims, where 10 motorcycles were destroyed.

According to him, the operation dealt a major blow to the activities of IPOB/ESN elements involved in kidnapping, arms possession, impersonation and sale of stolen vehicle parts in the South East.

The source further said the Nigerian Army remained committed to dismantling terrorist and criminal networks threatening peace and security in the region.

He urged residents to continue to support troops with timely and credible information to help rid the South East of criminal elements.