Horror in Imo forest as Army discovers graves of slain soldier couple

A joint search and clearance operation by troops of the Nigerian Army has led to the discovery of suspected human remains believed to be those of a soldier couple abducted and killed in 2022 in Imo State.

The operation, carried out along the Ubaha-Orsu corridor in Orsu Local Government Area, targeted a camp linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Military authorities said the mission was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle armed groups operating in the South-East and to locate the remains of two personnel – Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew – who were abducted while travelling for their traditional wedding in May 2022.

According to a statement issued on Saturday, troops acting on intelligence moved into the forested area but were met with heavy resistance from armed fighters.

The soldiers reportedly engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange, repelling multiple ambush attempts before overrunning the camp and forcing the militants to flee.

The army said the encounter highlighted the persistent threat posed by the group, which it accused of targeting both civilians and security personnel.

Remains of the slain soldiers

Following the successful operation, troops conducted an extensive sweep of the camp and surrounding terrain, where they uncovered shallow graves.

The graves were excavated, leading to the recovery of remains suspected to belong to the missing personnel.

The military said the remains have been preserved and will undergo forensic analysis, including DNA testing, to confirm their identities.

It added that contact is being established with the families of the deceased to facilitate proper identification and burial arrangements.

The army described the discovery as both tragic and significant, noting that it reinforces its commitment to accounting for fallen personnel and ensuring they receive dignified burials.

It also stated that the operation forms part of a broader campaign to degrade armed groups and restore stability in the region.

“The discovery of shallow graves within the camp exposes the brutality of these criminal elements,” the statement said, adding that operations will continue until such groups are dismantled.

The military urged residents to remain vigilant and support ongoing security efforts by providing credible information, stressing that cooperation from the public remains critical to restoring peace in the South-East.