Daniel Osinyemi
The Nigerian Army has confirmed a major offensive against a dreaded criminal gang in Imo State, killing five suspected fighters linked to the so-called “Unknown Gunmen,” including the deputy commander of their feared leader, known as Gentle De Yahoo.
The operation, carried out by troops of the 34 Brigade under the 82 Division, took place in Aku, Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area — a community that shares borders with Abia and Anambra States.
According to military sources, the troops had trekked nearly four hours to the target location to avoid detection before storming the residence believed to be Gentle De Yahoo’s base.
“Our soldiers went on foot; it was more of a commando mission,” an Army source said. “They surrounded his house, but his boys opened fire from the roof. The troops returned fire and later set the building ablaze when the gunmen refused to surrender.”
The Army said two female fighters and two male gunmen were killed instantly, while the gang’s second-in-command was gunned down as he attempted to scale a wall to escape.
However, it remains unclear whether the gang leader himself was among the dead. “At this time, we cannot categorically confirm that Gentle De Yahoo was killed,” the Army explained. “The corpses recovered are being profiled, and villagers confirmed that his second-in-command was indeed neutralised.”
Residents of the area have long accused the gang of unleashing terror, including killings, kidnappings, and attacks on security formations. The latest raid, the Army stressed, dealt a heavy blow to the network.
“This operation has significantly weakened his group,” the military maintained. “Whether or not he escaped, his reign of terror is coming to an end.”
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