25/04/2026
The Nigerian Army has recovered the remains of a military couple who were killed by suspected IPOB terrorists.
The Army discovered a site where two Nigerian soldiers were reportedly murdered and buried in 2022 while traveling for their traditional wedding in Imo State.
According to reports, the victims—Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and his fiancée, Lance Corporal Gloria Mathew—were abducted and killed by suspected members of IPOB/ESN along the Ubaha–Orsu road in Imo State.
In late April 2022, Linus and Gloria embarked on what was meant to be one of the happiest journeys of their lives, heading to Gloria’s hometown in Imo State for their traditional wedding ceremony. Tragically, the incident shocked many across Nigeria.
After nearly four years of uncertainty and efforts to recover their remains, troops of the 82 Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, conducted a search operation on April 24, 2026, in the area where the incident occurred.
Security sources revealed that the operation followed intelligence reports aimed at locating the remains or burial sites of the slain soldiers. However, during the operation, troops came under heavy attack from suspected IPOB fighters who attempted to stop them through ambushes. The soldiers engaged in several confrontations and successfully repelled the attackers, forcing them to retreat.
Undeterred, the troops continued their search and eventually discovered shallow graves believed to contain the remains of the slain soldiers. The graves were carefully exhumed, and the remains were recovered for forensic examination.
Military sources confirmed that efforts are ongoing to contact the families of the deceased for DNA identification before proceeding with their final burial rites.
With the recovery of their remains, the Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the fallen soldiers are given a dignified burial with full military honors, in recognition of their service, sacrifice, and the life they had planned to build together.
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