After Two Years, Troops Recover Suspected Remains of Slain Soldiers in Imo
Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled a suspected stronghold of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State, recovering remains believed to be those of two personnel killed in 2022.
The operation, carried out on April 24, 2026, by troops of the 82 Division in collaboration with other security agencies, targeted a camp along the Ubaha Orsu axis in Orsu Local Government Area. It formed part of ongoing clearance operations aimed at dislodging armed groups and locating missing military personnel in the South-East.
Military authorities said the mission was driven by intelligence pointing to the location of the remains of Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, who were abducted and killed in May 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding.
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According to the Army, troops encountered heavy resistance as they advanced on the suspected hideout, coming under attack from armed fighters. The soldiers, however, repelled multiple ambushes in a firefight that forced the assailants to retreat.
Following the engagement, troops cleared the camp and conducted a detailed search, leading to the discovery of shallow graves suspected to contain the remains of the slain personnel. The graves were subsequently excavated, and the remains recovered for further examination.
Military sources disclosed that the remains have been secured for forensic procedures, including DNA analysis, to confirm their identities. Engagement with the families of the deceased is also ongoing to facilitate proper identification and burial arrangements.
The Army said the operation highlights its continued efforts to dismantle criminal networks linked to IPOB/ESN and restore stability in the region. It added that the discovery within the camp points to what it described as atrocities committed by the group.
Authorities reaffirmed that operations across the South-East would continue until armed groups are neutralised and normalcy restored, while urging residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence.
By PRNigeria
