Following a clearance operation in Imo State, the Nigerian Army has recovered the remains of a soldier couple who were kidnapped and slain in 2022 while traveling for their traditional wedding.
The Army said in a statement on its X page on Saturday that during an operation in the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area, soldiers from the 82 Division discovered shallow graves that held the dead bodies of Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew.
The operation, carried out on April 24, 2026, targeted a camp linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). According to the statement, the terrorists were aggressively confronted by the forces, who successfully repelled several ambushes and forced the criminals to flee in disarray.
The Nigerian Army claimed that once the camp was successfully cleared, the soldiers thoroughly searched the area and found shallow graves thought to hold the corpses of the fallen soldiers.
The graves were carefully excavated, and the suspected remains were recovered,” the statement said.
“Efforts are also ongoing to liaise with the families of the fallen personnel to ensure proper identification and facilitate befitting burial arrangements in honour of their sacrifice.
“This operation not only underscores the Nigerian Army unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for fallen heroes but also highlights the continued degradation of IPOB/ESN criminal networks and infrastructure across the South East.
“The discovery of shallow graves within their camp further exposes the group’s heinous atrocities and disregard for human life.”
ENigeria Newspaper further gathered that the Nigerian Army informed the people that operations will go on until all criminal elements are eliminated and the region is once again peaceful.
We appreciate the law-abiding citizens for the information and urge you remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information,” the statement added.
