The Nigerian Army has successfully recovered the remains of two of its personnel, Master Warrant Officer (rtd) Linus Musa Audu and Lance Corporal Gloria Mathew, who were tragically abducted and killed in April/May 2022 by suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) elements. The couple was en route to Imo State for their traditional wedding ceremony when the incident occurred along the Ubaha–Orsu axis. Linus, a retired senior non-commissioned officer, and Gloria, who was still in active service, were embarking on what should have been a joyful journey to unite their families.

After nearly four years of diligent effort and following new intelligence, troops from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, launched a clearance and search operation on April 24, 2026. The mission aimed to dismantle a notorious IPOB/ESN camp in the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area in Imo State and locate the remains or gravesites of the deceased personnel.

During their advance towards the suspected hideout, the troops encountered heavy resistance and came under intense fire from armed IPOB/ESN elements. The criminals attempted to thwart the operation with ambushes and regrouped assaults. However, the soldiers decisively engaged the terrorists, successfully repelling multiple attacks and forcing the assailants to retreat in disarray. The Nigerian Army highlighted that this encounter further exposed the desperate and criminal nature of the group, which continuously targets innocent citizens and security personnel.

Undeterred by the fierce opposition, the troops pressed on, conducting a comprehensive search of the area after successfully clearing the camp. Their painstaking efforts led to the discovery of shallow graves believed to contain the remains of the slain personnel. The graves were carefully excavated, and the suspected remains were recovered for detailed forensic examination.

Military sources confirmed that efforts are now underway to contact the families of Master Warrant Officer (rtd) Linus Musa Audu and Lance Corporal Gloria Mathew for DNA verification to ensure definitive identification. The Nigerian Army has expressed its unwavering commitment to ensuring that the fallen heroes receive a befitting burial with full military honors, serving as a final tribute to their service, sacrifice, and shared dream. This operation not only underscores the Army’s dedication to justice but also signifies the continued degradation of IPOB/ESN criminal networks and infrastructure across the South East, with the discovery of the graves further exposing the group’s heinous atrocities and disregard for human life. The Army reassured the public that operations will continue until lasting peace is restored, urging citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information to security agencies.