Troops of the Nigerian Army have uncovered suspected remains of two soldiers killed in 2022 during a clearance operation on a camp linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, in Imo State.
The operation, carried out along the Ubaha-Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area, was part of an intelligence-driven mission aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts and locating the remains of Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew.
The couple, who were reportedly abducted and killed in May 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding, had since been declared missing.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Army said troops of the 82 Division advanced on the suspected hideout but came under heavy attack from armed fighters.
It noted that the soldiers repelled multiple ambushes and forced the attackers to retreat after a fierce exchange.
According to the statement, the troops subsequently cleared the camp and conducted a thorough search of the area, leading to the discovery of shallow graves believed to contain human remains.
“The graves were carefully excavated and suspected remains were recovered,” the Army said, adding that the remains had been secured for forensic examination, including DNA testing, to confirm their identities.
The military authorities also disclosed that efforts were ongoing to contact the families of the deceased to facilitate proper identification and burial arrangements.
The Army said the operation reflects its resolve to bring justice to fallen personnel and sustain ongoing offensives against criminal networks in the South-East.
It further described the discovery of the graves as evidence of the group’s violent activities, assuring that operations would continue until peace is fully restored in the region.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible intelligence.