The Nigerian Army has recovered the remains of two of its personnel who went missing in 2022 while travelling to Imo State for their traditional wedding.
According to reports, the personnel, identified as Master Warrant Officer (retd) Linus Musa Audu and Lance Corporal Gloria Mathew, were reported missing after their journey through the Ubaha–Orsu axis of the state.
Security sources at the time linked the incident to suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The couple had been en route to Mathew’s hometown for a family ceremony when contact was lost.
Audu had retired from service, while Mathew was still serving at the time.
READ ALSO: Jumma’at Imams Call for Prayers as Security, Governance ‘Fail Nigerians’
Their disappearance drew public call and debate over security challenges in the South-East.
It was said that troops from the 82 Division, working alongside other security agencies, conducted a clearance operation in the area on April 24, 2026, following fresh intelligence.
During the operation, the troops reportedly encountered resistance but secured the location and discovered shallow graves believed to contain the remains of the missing personnel.
The remains have since been recovered and transferred for forensic examination, including DNA analysis, to formally confirm their identities ahead of burial, reports added.
Military authorities said the two personnel would be accorded full military honours in recognition of their service once identification procedures are concluded.