Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded a major breakthrough in ongoing security operations in the South East, dismantling a stronghold linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network in Imo State.
The operation, carried out by soldiers of the 82 Division alongside other security agencies, took place on April 24 along the Ubaha–Orsu axis in Orsu Local Government Area. It followed intelligence reports pointing to the location of a suspected hideout used by the group.
According to the Army, troops came under heavy attack as they advanced on the camp but responded with superior firepower, successfully repelling multiple ambushes and forcing the fighters to retreat.
In a significant development, soldiers conducting a sweep of the area uncovered shallow graves believed to contain the remains of two military personnel abducted and killed in 2022. The victims Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew were reportedly on their way to their traditional wedding when they were attacked.
The remains have been recovered and secured for forensic examination, including DNA testing, to confirm their identities.
Military authorities say efforts are ongoing to contact the families and ensure the fallen personnel receive proper burial rites.
The Army says the discovery highlights what it describes as the brutality of the group, while reaffirming its commitment to bringing those responsible to justice and restoring peace across the region.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely information, as operations to flush out criminal elements intensify.