Sunday, April 26, 2026 - The Nigerian Army says its troops have dismantled a suspected camp of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State, recovering what is believed to be the remains of a military couple k!lled in 2022.
The operation, which took place on Thursday, April 223,
along the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area, was confirmed in a
statement released on Saturday, April 24, by the Army.
According to the statement, troops of the 82 Division moved
into the area on an intelligence-led clearance mission aimed at dislodging
IPOB/ESN hideouts and recovering the remains of Master Warrant Officer Linus
Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, who were abducted and k!lled in May 2022
while travelling for their traditional wedding.
“Acting on
intelligence information, the operation, conducted on 24 April 2026 along the
Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area, 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 of the Nigerian Army, Master
Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, who were brutally
abd#cted and m#rdered by IPOB/ESN terrorists in May 2022 while en route for
their traditional wedding.
Acting on
credible intelligence, troops advanced towards a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout
when they came under heavy attack by armed criminals. Demonstrating resilience,
the troops decisively engaged the terrorists, successfully repelling multiple
ambushes and forcing the criminals to flee in disarray. The encounter further
exposed the desperation and criminal nature of the group, which continues to
target innocent citizens and security personnel alike.”
The Army further disclosed that several shallow graves were
discovered after the area was cleared, with suspected human remains recovered
following excavation.
“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
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 statement read
The Army described the operation as part of ongoing efforts
to dismantle criminal networks in the South-East, noting that further actions
would continue until lasting peace is achieved.
0 Comments