The Nigerian Army has confirmed that troops of the 34 Brigade under the 82 Division, Owerri, carried out a successful raid on the hideout of a notorious gang leader known as Gentle De Yahoo in Aku, Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to reports, the operation targeted Gentle De Yahoo, a feared commander of the so-called “Unknown Gunmen,” a group linked to violent attacks across Imo and other parts of the South-East. While the Army confirmed the death of his second-in-command alongside four other fighters, it has yet to verify if Gentle himself was among the casualties.

Military sources said the raid was executed in commando fashion, with soldiers trekking for nearly four hours to avoid detection. On reaching the compound, the troops came under heavy gunfire from Gentle’s fighters positioned on the roof. In response, the soldiers returned fire and eventually set the building ablaze.

Eyewitnesses reported that during the raid, two females and three male fighters attempted to escape but were shot by troops. Among those killed was Gentle’s deputy, while the bodies of two male and two female fighters were recovered. However, the Army stated it could not yet confirm whether Gentle De Yahoo himself was among the dead.

Local villagers, long terrorized by the gang, have confirmed that his second-in-command was killed but remain uncertain about Gentle’s fate.

“The operation has dealt a major blow to his network,” the Army said. “We cannot categorically state if Gentle De Yahoo was killed or if he escaped, but investigations are ongoing. In due time, Nigerians will know the full details.”