Army destroys IPOB/ESN hideout in Imo, recovers remains of slain personnel
The Nigerian Army has destroyed a hideout belonging to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State, recovering suspected remains of slain personnel.
The operation, carried out by troops of the 82 Division in collaboration with other security agencies, took place on Friday, along the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area as part of a clearance mission targeting IPOB/ESN hideouts in the region.
Military authorities said the operation was also aimed at locating the remains of two Nigerian Army personnel, Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, who were abducted and killed by suspected IPOB/ESN members in May 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding.
According to the Army, troops acting on intelligence advanced towards the hideout but came under heavy attack from armed fighters, before repelling multiple ambushes and forcing the attackers to retreat.
Following the destruction of the camp, troops conducted a search of the area and discovered shallow graves believed to contain the remains of the slain personnel. The graves were excavated and the suspected remains recovered.
The Army disclosed that the remains have been secured for forensic analysis, including DNA testing, to confirm their identities, while efforts are ongoing to liaise with the families of the deceased for proper identification and burial arrangements.
The military further reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations against criminal elements and called on members of the public to continue providing credible information to support security efforts across the region.
