The troops of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, have dismantled a suspected IPOB/ESN stronghold in Imo State and recovered remains believed to belong to two soldiers killed in 2022, in an operation targeting entrenched militant infrastructure in the South East.
The operation, conducted on 24 April 2026 along the Ubaha–Orsu axis of the Orsu Local Government Area, formed part of an ongoing clearance mission aimed at neutralising armed networks and locating the remains of Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, who were abducted and killed while travelling for their traditional wedding, according to a Nigerian Army operational update report made available to Defence Correspondents.
According to the report, Troops advancing on the suspected hideout came under heavy fire and engaged in a sustained firefight, repelling multiple ambush attempts and forcing the attackers to withdraw. The encounter, military authorities indicate, reflects continued resistance by armed groups but also a degrading capacity to hold territory.
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A subsequent sweep of the camp led to the discovery of shallow graves suspected to contain the remains of the slain personnel. The site was secured and excavated, with recovered remains taken into custody for forensic examination, including DNA testing to confirm identities.
The Army says coordination is underway with the families of the fallen soldiers to support identification processes and ensure formal burial arrangements once verification is complete.
The operation reinforces a broader campaign to dismantle armed networks across the South East, with authorities pointing to the discovery as evidence of both the persistence of violence and ongoing efforts to establish accountability for past attacks on security personnel.