Army recovers suspected remains of slain soldier couple in Imo forest

In a significant operation in Imo State, troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully dismantled a camp belonging to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). This operation, conducted along the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area, was part of a deliberate mission to clear IPOB/ESN hideouts and, crucially, to locate the remains of two Nigerian Army personnel who were brutally abducted and murdered by the group in May 2022. The soldiers, Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, were en route to their traditional wedding when they fell victim to the terrorists.

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Acting on intelligence information, the operation, conducted on 24 April 2026 along the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area, was part of a deliberate clearance and search mission aimed at dismantling IPOB/ESN hideout within the region and locating the remains of two personnel of the Nigerian Army, Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, who were brutally abducted and murdered by IPOB/ESN terrorists in May 2022 while en route for their traditional wedding.

During the operation, troops faced heavy resistance from armed criminals but decisively engaged and repelled multiple ambushes, forcing the terrorists to flee. The encounter underscored the criminal nature of the group, which continues to target both innocent citizens and security personnel. Following the clearance of the camp, a grim discovery was made: shallow graves containing suspected human remains. These remains are believed to be those of the abducted soldiers.

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Acting on credible intelligence, troops advanced towards a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout when they came under heavy attack by armed criminals.

The Nigerian Army has secured the recovered remains for detailed forensic analysis, including DNA testing, to conclusively establish their identities. Efforts are also underway to liaise with the families of the deceased to ensure proper identification and facilitate befitting burial arrangements. This operation not only demonstrates the Nigerian Army's unwavering commitment to seeking justice for fallen heroes but also signifies the continued degradation of IPOB/ESN criminal networks in the South East. The discovery of shallow graves within their camp further exposes the group's heinous atrocities and profound disregard for human life, reinforcing the necessity of ongoing security operations in the region.

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Demonstrating resilience, the troops decisively engaged the terrorists, successfully repelling multiple ambushes and forcing the criminals to flee in disarray.