The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed plans to probe a viral video featuring notorious terror suspect Ifeanyi Eze, also known as Gentle De Yahoo, who the Nigerian military previously claimed to have “captured.”
Eze, a native of Imo State in the South‑East, was reportedly apprehended by troops of Operation Udo Ka during operations in the region between October 8 and 13, 2025, according to the military.
However, on January 28, 2026, a video circulated online showing Eze apparently alive, dancing, and issuing threats against individuals he accused of betrayal. The footage indicated that he may have traveled to Akwa Ibom State in the South‑South for medical attention after he and his militants were reportedly poisoned.
Addressing the situation in Abuja on Friday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, suggested that the video could have been digitally manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI).
“What I can say is that in this era of AI, it is possible to create content solely to destabilize and incite panic within society,” Onoja said.
He added that the military would collaborate with other security agencies to determine the authenticity of the video.
“Regardless, we will take the necessary steps with relevant agencies to confirm whether he (Mr. Eze) is indeed back,” he said, assuring that if the military verifies his return, immediate action would be taken to neutralize him and his group.
The Southeast region has experienced heightened unrest following the imprisonment and sentencing of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu for terrorism-related offenses against Nigeria.
The incident raises questions about the implications for national security and the Nigerian military’s credibility if the video of Gentle De Yahoo is confirmed to be genuine.
