Army Recovers Remains of Personnel Killed by IPOB/ESN in Imo

The Nigerian Army has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing operations against criminal elements in the South-East, following the recovery of suspected remains of two military personnel allegedly killed by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State.

Troops of the 82 Division, working alongside other security agencies, carried out the operation on April 24, 2026, along the Ubaha-Orsu axis in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.

The mission was part of a targeted clearance and search exercise aimed at dismantling IPOB/ESN hideouts and locating the remains of Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, who were abducted and reportedly murdered in May 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding.

According to military sources, troops acting on credible intelligence advanced toward a suspected IPOB/ESN camp when they came under heavy gunfire from armed fighters.

However, the troops responded swiftly, engaging the attackers and successfully repelling multiple ambushes, forcing the gunmen to flee the area.

Following the successful clearance of the camp, security operatives conducted an extensive search and discovered shallow graves believed to contain the remains of the slain soldiers.

The graves were excavated, and the suspected remains were recovered for further examination.

The Army said the remains have been secured for forensic analysis, including DNA testing, to confirm their identities.

Authorities also disclosed that efforts are underway to engage the families of the deceased personnel for proper identification and to facilitate dignified burial arrangements in recognition of their sacrifice.

Military authorities said the operation demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring justice for fallen personnel while intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the South-East.

The Army added that the discovery of shallow graves within the camp further revealed the level of atrocities allegedly committed by IPOB/ESN operatives and their disregard for human life.

It reassured Nigerians that operations against criminal elements would continue until peace and security are fully restored across the region.

The military also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.