Nigerian Army recovers remains of slain personnel k!lled while travelling to Imo for their traditional wedding

The troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered the remains of two personnel who were k!lled in April 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding in Imo State, security analyst Zagazola confirmed. 

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Recall that the couple Master Warrant Officer (rtd) Linus Musa Audu and Lance Corporal Gloria Mathew, were abducted and k!lled by suspected IPOB/ESN elements along the Ubaha–Orsu axis of Imo State. Read HERE and HERE

On that fateful day, Linus and Gloria set out on a journey that should have been one of the happiest moments of their lives. 

They were heading to Gloria’s hometown in Imo State for their traditional wedding ceremony.

It was meant to be a formal introduction of families, a celebration of unity across regions and backgrounds. 

Linus, a retired senior non-commissioned officer, had already spent years serving the country. Gloria, still in active service. 

Gloria was serving in Sokoto while Linus lived in Makurdi.

The couple was abducted by the IPOB terrorists somewhere along the Ubaha–Orsu axis and brutally murdered. 

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.