Troops dismantle IPOB/ESN stronghold in Imo, recover suspected remains of slain military couple
The Nigerian Army has dismantled a notorious camp of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State, recovering suspected remains of two officers abducted and killed in 2022.
The development is contained in an operational report released on Saturday in Abuja.
The report stated that the operation, conducted by troops of 82 Division in collaboration with other security agencies, took place on Friday along the Ubaha-Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area.
The report noted that the mission was part of ongoing clearance and search operations aimed at flushing out IPOB/ESN elements and locating the remains of Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew.
“The two personnel were abducted and killed in May 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding,” it said.
The report stated that troops advancing on the suspected hideout came under heavy attack from armed criminals but responded with superior firepower, repelling multiple ambushes and forcing the attackers to flee.
It noted that the encounter highlighted the desperation of the criminal group, which continues to target both security personnel and innocent civilians.
“Following the clearance of the camp, troops conducted a detailed search and discovered shallow graves suspected to contain the remains of the slain personnel. The remains were subsequently exhumed and secured for forensic examination, including DNA analysis, to confirm their identities.
“Efforts are ongoing to liaise with the families of the deceased to ensure proper identification and facilitate dignified burial arrangements,” the report said.
It added that the operation underscored the army’s commitment to justice for fallen officers and the continued dismantling of criminal networks in the South-East.
“The discovery further exposes the atrocities of IPOB/ESN elements and their disregard for human life,” the report stated.
The army reassured the public of its resolve to sustain operations until criminals were killed and lasting peace restored in the region.
It also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
(NAN)
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