Gentle De Yahoo: "My Men Are Alive" – Questions Mount Over Imo State Military Operations In a dramatic twist that has ignited wide...
In a dramatic twist that has ignited widespread debate across Nigeria and beyond, Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, better known as "Gentle De Yahoo," a prominent figure associated with the Autopilot Biafra agitation and its armed wing, the Biafra liberation army has appeared in a viral video proclaiming his survival and good health. This emergence comes months after the Nigerian military publicly claimed to have neutralized key leaders during operations in Imo State, raising serious questions about the accuracy of official narratives and sparking speculations that insecurity in the South East may be orchestrated or exaggerated by elements within the federal government to justify crackdowns or political maneuvers.
The video, shared on social media on January 29, 2026, shows Gentle De Yahoo in a forested setting, dressed in camouflage, energetically gesturing and even performing what appears to be celebratory movements. In the footage, he emphatically states that he is "back and healthy," dismissing reports of his demise or capture. He further asserts that all commanders under his purview are alive and well, directly contradicting military assertions from September 2025. This is not an isolated incident; just last week, another high-profile commander, known as "Angel Makeup" (or Brigadier General Angel Makeup), surfaced in a similar video, debunking claims of his death and reinforcing the narrative of resilience among Biafran fighters.
Rewind to September 2025: The Nigerian Defence Headquarters announced a major operation in Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, targeting what they described as a "terror kingpin." Troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, in collaboration with other security agencies, raided a hideout, recovering weapons, ammunition, military uniforms, and a vehicle dismantling workshop. The military confirmed the capture of Gentle De Yahoo, portraying it as a significant blow to IPOB/ESN operations. Reports celebrated the arrest, with some outlets noting jubilation in local communities weary of violence.
However, inconsistencies quickly emerged. While initial statements focused on capture, some accounts blurred the lines, suggesting Gentle might have been among those killed in the raid. More pointedly, the military claimed to have "neutralized" Gentle's deputy, Angel Makeup, along with several others during the operation. Fact Checking report like Emeka Gifts Official dismissed early viral reports of Gentle's arrest as "FALSE and fabricated," noting a lack of verification from credible sources. This pattern of unverified claims has fueled skepticism, with critics arguing that the military's announcements serve more as propaganda than factual reporting.
Angel Makeup's reappearance last week amplified these doubts. In his video, released around January 20-26, 2026, he appears calm and unarmed, directly addressing rumors of his elimination and calling for international attention to the Biafran cause. He echoes Gentle's sentiments, insisting that key figures remain operational. Online reactions have been fervent, with users questioning the military's credibility and demanding clarifications.
The resurfacing of these commanders has not only exposed potential flaws in military intelligence but has also drawn wide speculation about the roots of insecurity in Nigeria's South East. Pro-Biafran advocates and neutral observers alike suggest that the region's unrest marked by attacks on security forces, kidnappings, and communal clashes may be sponsored or exacerbated by the federal government to discredit the genuine Biafra freedom fighter movement and maintain control. Critics point to a history of alleged state-backed "unknown gunmen" operations, where violence is attributed to IPOB to justify heavy-handed responses, including extrajudicial killings and property destruction.
Gentle De Yahoo's background adds layers to this narrative. Once involved in local land disputes, he reportedly escalated to banditry and agitation leadership, becoming a symbol of resistance in Imo State. His alleged capture was hailed as a breakthrough in curbing insecurity, yet his video suggests otherwise, prompting questions: Was he ever truly apprehended, or was the operation a staged event to boost military morale and public perception? Similarly, Angel Makeup's "death" was announced amid claims of neutralizing threats, only for him to reemerge, potentially indicating inflated body counts or misidentification to claim victories.
These discrepancies align with broader allegations of government involvement in regional instability. Some argue that by propagating false narratives of eliminating threats, authorities create a cycle of violence that sustains military presence and diverts attention from economic grievances. As one X user noted in response to Gentle's video, "The Nigerian military said that gentle de yahoo and his cohorts has been kyilled. Then suddenly they surfaced immediately the rumor to disintegrate Nigeria." This timing, coinciding with renewed calls for Biafran self-determination, has led to theories that such "resurrections" expose a deliberate strategy to manipulate public opinion.
The reappearance of Gentle De Yahoo and Angel Makeup could signal a resurgence in agitation activities, potentially escalating tensions in an already volatile region. For residents of Imo and surrounding states, the cycle of claims and counterclaims breeds fear and distrust, with communities caught between militant actions and military reprisals. Internationally, these events highlight Nigeria's ongoing struggle with agitation movements, drawing parallels to other global conflicts where state narratives clash with on-ground realities.
As calls grow for transparency from the Nigerian military, the truth remains elusive. Are these commanders truly untouchable, or are official reports riddled with errors or worse, intentional deceptions? One thing is clear: The viral videos have not only debunked death claims but have also exposed cracks in the government's security strategy, lending credence to speculations of sponsored insecurity. Until verifiable evidence emerges, the South East's turmoil will continue to be shrouded in suspicion.
Family Writers press International.
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