The Nigerian Army has announced the recovery of suspected remains of a military couple killed in 2022 during a clearance operation in Imo State.
In a statement released on Saturday, April 24, the Army disclosed that troops of the 82 Division dismantled a suspected camp belonging to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out on Thursday, April 24, was described as an intelligence-led mission aimed at dislodging IPOB/ESN hideouts and locating the remains of Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew.
The couple was abducted and killed in May 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding.
According to the Army, “Acting on intelligence information, the operation… 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… who were brutally abducted and murdered… while en route for their traditional wedding.”
The statement further revealed that several shallow graves were discovered after troops cleared the area.
“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,” the Army said.
It added that the remains have been secured for detailed forensic analysis, including DNA testing, to confirm their identities.
The Army also noted that efforts are ongoing to liaise with the families of the deceased to ensure proper identification and facilitate befitting burial arrangements in honour of their sacrifice.
