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 are believed to be the remains of two soldiers killed in 2022.
The operation, which took place on Thursday along the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area, was confirmed in a statement released on Saturday 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 reportedly abducted and killed in May 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding.
The Army said the troops came under heavy attack while advancing towards the suspected hideout but successfully repelled the ambush and forced the armed men to flee.
It stated, “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 abducted and murdered 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.
It said, “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 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.
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