Nigerian Army Recovers Remains of Slain Soldier Couple Nearly Four Years After Imo Abduction

The Nigerian Army has announced the recovery of remains believed to be those of two soldiers who were abducted and killed in Imo State while traveling for their traditional wedding nearly four years ago.

Troops of the 82 Division, working with other security agencies, conducted a clearance and search operation on April 24, 2026, along the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area. The mission successfully dismantled a notorious camp belonging to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.

The victims have been identified as Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew. They were abducted and murdered by suspected IPOB/ESN elements in May 2022 while en route to Private Mathew’s hometown in Imo State for their traditional wedding ceremony.

In a statement released on Saturday, the army detailed the intensity of the operation. “Acting on credible intelligence, troops advanced towards a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout when they came under heavy attack by armed criminals,” the statement read. “Demonstrating resilience, the troops decisively engaged the terrorists, successfully repelling multiple ambushes and forcing the criminals to flee in disarray.”

Following the clearance of the camp, troops conducted a thorough search of the area and made a grim discovery. “Following the successful clearance of the camp, troops conducted a thorough search of the area and made a grim but important discovery of shallow graves suspected to contain the remains of the slain personnel. The graves were carefully excavated and suspected remains were recovered.”

The army confirmed that the recovered remains have been secured for detailed forensic analysis. “The recovered remains have since been secured for detailed forensic analysis, including DNA testing, to conclusively establish their identities. 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.”

The brutal killing of the couple in 2022 sent shockwaves across the country. Colleagues described their relationship as one built on mutual respect and shared sacrifice, as they maintained their bond despite being posted to different parts of the country. Linus, a retired senior non-commissioned officer, had already spent years serving the nation, while Gloria, still on active duty, embodied discipline and resilience.

The army stated that the operation underscores its commitment to justice for fallen heroes. “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.”