Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled a suspected stronghold linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, in Imo State, recovering remains believed to belong to two personnel killed in 2022.

The operation, carried out on April 24, 2026, along the Ubaha Orsu axis in Orsu Local Government Area, followed intelligence reports and formed part of ongoing clearance efforts targeting armed groups in the South-East.

According to the army, troops encountered resistance during the mission, coming under attack from suspected militants but were able to repel the assault after a firefight, forcing the attackers to retreat.

A subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of shallow graves, from which remains suspected to be those of two soldiers abducted and killed in May 2022 were recovered.

The personnel, identified as Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, were reportedly attacked while travelling for a personal engagement.

Military authorities said the recovered remains have been secured for forensic examination, including DNA analysis, to confirm their identities. Engagements with the families of the deceased are also underway ahead of possible burial arrangements.

The operation is part of a broader campaign by security forces to dismantle armed networks and restore stability in the region, where attacks on security personnel and civilians have been reported in recent years.

The army reiterated its commitment to ongoing operations aimed at neutralising armed groups and urged residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies.