Troops of the have reportedly recovered the remains of two personnel who were k?lled in April 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding in Imo State.
The victims, Master Warrant Officer (rtd) Linus Musa Audu and Lance Corporal Gloria Mathew, were said to have been abducted and mu3dered by suspected members of the and its armed wing along the Ubaha–Orsu axis.
According to reports, the couple had been on their way to Gloria’s hometown for their traditional wedding—a journey meant to mark a joyful union between their families—when the att@ck occurred.
Linus, a retired senior non-commissioned officer, had previously served the country for years, while Gloria was still in active service, stationed in Sokoto. Linus was said to be based in Makurdi at the time.
Their abduction and k!lling shocked many, given the circumstances surrounding their trip. The recent recovery of their remains has now brought renewed attention to the tragic incident.
After nearly four years of uncertainty, hope, and painstaking effort, troops of 82 Division, in conjunction with other security agencies, conducted a clearance and search operation on April 24, 2026, in the same area where the tragic incident occurred.
Security sources said the operation was aimed at locating the remains or gravesites of the deceased personnel following the latest available intelligence.
But as they advanced toward the suspected locations, the troops came under heavy fire.
The IPOB armed elements attempted to stop them, first with an ambush, then with a regrouped assault.
The soldiers did not turn back. They successfully fought through the multiple attacks, forcing the assailants to retreat.
Undeterred, the troops pressed on and conducted an extensive search of the area, eventually discovering shallow graves suspected to contain the remains of the slain personnel.
The graves were carefully excavated, and the remains were recovered for forensic examination.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to contact the families of the deceased for DNA verification to ensure proper identification before final burial rites.
The Nigerian Army says it is committed to ensuring they receive a befitting burial with full military honors, a final tribute to their service, sacrifice, and shared dream.
