By Desire Emmanuel
The Nigerian Army has recorded another significant operational success in its sustained efforts to rid the South-East of criminal elements, as troops of 82 Division, in conjunction with other security agencies dismantled a notorious camp belonging to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State.
Acting on intelligence information, the operation, conducted on April 24, along the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area, was part of a deliberate clearance and search mission aimed at dismantling IPOB/ESN hideout within the region.
It was also aimed at locating the remains of two personnel of the Nigerian Army, Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, who were abducted and murdered by IPOB/ESN terrorists in May 2022 while on their way to their traditional wedding.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops advanced towards the suspected IPOB/ESN hideout when they came under heavy attack by armed criminals. Demonstrating resilience, however, the troops engaged the terrorists, repelling multiple ambushes and forcing the criminals to flee in disarray.
Following the clearance of the camp, troops conducted a thorough search of the area and discovered shallow graves suspected to contain the remains of the slain personnel. The graves were dug out and the remains of the soldiers were recovered.
“The recovered remains have since been secured for detailed forensic analysis, including DNA testing, to conclusively establish their identities.
“Efforts are also ongoing to liaise with the families of the fallen personnel to ensure proper identification and facilitate befitting burial arrangements in honour of their sacrifice,” the Nigerian Army said in a statement on Saturday, April 25.
