The Nigerian Army says its troops have dismantled a suspected stronghold 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 abducted soldiers.
In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, seen by Securitynewsalert.com, the Army said the operation was carried out on April 24, 2026, along the Ubaha-Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area by troops of the 82 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the Army, the mission was part of ongoing clearance operations targeting criminal hideouts in the South-East and was specifically aimed at locating the remains of Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew.
The personnel were abducted and killed in May 2022 while travelling 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,” the statement read. “Demonstrating resilience, the troops decisively engaged the terrorists, successfully repelling multiple ambushes and forcing the criminals to flee in disarray.”
The Army said that after overrunning the camp, troops conducted a thorough search, leading to the discovery of shallow graves believed to contain the remains of the slain personnel.
“The graves were carefully excavated, and suspected remains were recovered,” it stated, adding that the remains have been secured for forensic examination, including DNA testing, to confirm their identities.
It further disclosed that efforts are underway to liaise with the families of the deceased to ensure proper identification and facilitate “befitting burial arrangements in honour of their sacrifice.”
The Army described the operation as a significant step in its campaign against armed groups in the region, noting that the discovery of shallow graves within the camp highlights “the group’s heinous atrocities and disregard for human life.”
“This operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for fallen heroes and the continued degradation of IPOB/ESN criminal networks and infrastructure across the Southeast,” the statement added.
The military reassured residents of its commitment to restoring peace, urging the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely information.
IPOB, a separatist group seeking the independence of Biafra, was proscribed by the Federal Government in 2017.
Its armed affiliate, ESN, has since been linked by authorities to a series of violent attacks in the South-East, including assaults on security formations and personnel. #Securitynewsalert.com
