The Nigerian Army has announced the recovery of what are suspected to be the remains of two personnel brutally abducted and murdered in May 2022 while traveling for their traditional wedding in Imo State .
Troops of the 82 Division acting on credible intelligence, conducted a clearance operation on April 24, 2026, along the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area, dismantling a notorious camp belonging to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) .
During the operation, troops came under heavy attack from armed criminals but successfully repelled multiple ambushes, forcing the fighters to flee . Following the clearance, a thorough search of the area led to the discovery and excavation of shallow graves containing suspected human remains .
The remains are believed to be those of Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu (rtd) and Private Gloria Mathew, who were abducted en route to their traditional wedding ceremony . At the time, Audu was traveling to Imo to formalize his union with Mathew, who was serving in Sokoto .
The Army stated that the recovered remains have been secured for detailed forensic analysis, including DNA testing, to conclusively establish their identities . Efforts are ongoing to liaise with the families for proper identification and to facilitate befitting burial arrangements in honour of their sacrifice .
The Army noted that the discovery of shallow graves within the camp further exposes the group’s heinous atrocities and disregard for human life . It reassured the public that operations will continue until all criminal elements are neutralised and lasting peace is restored across the region .
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