Troops of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army have “recorded another significant operational success in its sustained efforts to rid the South East of criminal elements,” recovering the suspected remains of a slain personal couple.
In a press statement on X, the Nigerian army disclosed that it acted in “conjunction with sister services and other security agencies, successfully dismantled a notorious camp belonging to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State.”
The statement detailed that the troops recovered the bodies of two of its personnel, a couple who were killed by the separatists.
Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, the slain couple whose remains were found. Credit. The Nigerian Army.
“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, ” were discovered, the Nigerian army stated.
Clarifying how the operation was carried out, the military authorities stated that acting “on intelligence information,” it undertook “the operation [which was] conducted on 24 April 2026 along the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area.”
According to the military, “Following the successful clearance of the camp, troops conducted a thorough search of the area and made a grim but important discovery shallow graves suspected to contain the remains of the slain personnel. The graves were carefully excavated and suspected remains were recovered.”
Digging of the shallow grave. Credit. The Nigerian Army.
The military assured that “the recovered remains have since been secured for detailed forensic analysis, including DNA testing, to conclusively establish their identities,” adding that “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.”
Stressing that the action “was part of a deliberate clearance and search mission aimed at dismantling IPOB/ESN hideout within the region,” the army maintained that “acting on credible intelligence, troops advanced towards a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout when they came under heavy attack by armed criminals.”
It emphasised that the operation symbolises “resilience, the troops decisively engaged the terrorists, successfully repelling multiple ambushes and forcing the criminals to flee in disarray,” stressing that “The encounter further exposed the desperation and criminal nature of the group, which continues to target innocent citizens and security personnel alike.”
The army pledged to ensure justice while calling on the citizenry to abide by the extant laws of the land by being law-abiding.
The shallow grave is being dug. Credit. The Nigerian Army.
“This operation not only underscores the Nigerian Army’s 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.
“The Nigerian Army reassures the general public that ongoing operations will continue until all criminal elements are neutralised and lasting peace is restored across the region. 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 noted.
The military used the medium to express its resoluteness and professionalism in “defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria.”
