Troops raid ESN hideout, uncover shallow graves in Imo

Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed a suspected camp of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, in Imo State, uncovering what are believed to be the remains of two soldiers killed in 2022.

The raid, carried out on 24 April along the Ubaha–Orsu corridor in Orsu Local Government Area, followed intelligence reports on militant activity. Soldiers of the 82 Division, working with other security agencies, engaged gunmen at the site and repelled repeated ambushes before forcing them to abandon the camp.

During a search of the location, troops discovered shallow graves. The remains recovered are thought to belong to Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, who were abducted and killed while travelling for their traditional wedding four years ago.

Military authorities said the remains will undergo forensic examinations, including DNA testing, to confirm their identities. Families of the deceased are being contacted ahead of formal identification and burial arrangements with full military honours.

The Army said the operation reflects continued pressure on IPOB/ESN networks in the South East. It described the discovery as further evidence of the group’s brutality and pledged to sustain operations against criminal elements in the region.

Citizens were urged to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information with security agencies.