Esther Oseyiomon
The Nigerian Army has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing operations in the South-East, with troops of the 82 Division dismantling a notorious camp linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Imo State.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, took place along the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area following actionable intelligence, according to an official report from Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Military authorities said the mission was part of a wider clearance effort aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts and locating the remains of two personnel—Linus Musa Audu and Gloria Mathew—who were abducted and killed in May 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding.
Troops reportedly came under heavy attack as they approached the suspected camp but engaged the assailants decisively, repelling multiple ambushes and forcing them to flee.
Following the encounter, the camp was cleared and destroyed, significantly disrupting the activities of the group in the area.
A subsequent search of the site led to the discovery of shallow graves believed to contain the remains of the slain soldiers. The remains were carefully exhumed for further examination.
The Army said the recovered remains have been secured for forensic analysis, including DNA testing, while efforts are ongoing to liaise with the families for proper identification and burial.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations in the region, bringing perpetrators to justice, and restoring lasting peace, while urging the public to continue providing credible information to support security efforts.