Army recovers bodies of slain couple in Imo, plans full military honours

Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered the remains of two soldiers who were tragically killed in 2022 while traveling to their traditional wedding in Imo State, providing long-awaited closure to a case that captured national attention.

The victims, Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Lance Corporal Gloria Mathew, were reportedly abducted and murdered by suspected IPOB/ESN operatives along the Ubaha–Orsu axis, according to security analyst Zagazola Makama.

“In late April 2022, 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, embodied discipline and resilience in uniform.

“Those close to them recall a relationship built not just on affection, but on mutual respect and shared sacrifice. They had navigated distance Gloria serving in Sokoto, Linus living in Makurdi and still chose each other. But somewhere along the Ubaha–Orsu axis, that hope was violently shattered. The couple was abducted by the treacherous terrorists.

“What followed shocked even a country already grappling with waves of insecurity. Their killing was brutal, senseless, and deeply personal, not just for their families, but for colleagues in uniform and citizens who saw in them a reflection of everyday Nigerians striving to build a life.

“In military circles, the memory of the fallen does not fade easily. Within the Nigerian Army, efforts to locate the remains of Linus and Gloria continued quietly but persistently,” Makama said.

After nearly four years of uncertainty and sustained search efforts, troops of the 82 Division, working with other security agencies, carried out a targeted clearance operation on April 24, 2026, in the area where the incident occurred.

It was not a routine patrol. 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 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,” he said.