Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 34 Artillery Brigade operating under Operation UDO KA have uncovered and exhumed the remains of a slain community leader in Imo State following intelligence obtained from suspects arrested during ongoing security operations in the South-East.
The operation, carried out under the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II, led to the recovery of the remains of the late Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community, who was allegedly murdered by members of a criminal gang recently apprehended in connection with violent crimes in the region.
In a statement, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni said the latest breakthrough followed intelligence-led operations that earlier resulted in the arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen military weapons.
During interrogation, one of the suspects reportedly confessed to participating in the murder of Chief Anyadu and subsequently volunteered to lead troops to the burial site.
Acting on the information, troops on August 2, 2026, were led to a shallow grave inside the Umudike Forest, identified as one of the criminal gang’s camps, where the remains of the late community leader were successfully exhumed.
The exhumation was witnessed by members of the deceased’s family, vigilante personnel from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of the Aggah and Umudike communities.
The family of the deceased provided a coffin and an ambulance to facilitate the evacuation of the remains and ensure a dignified burial in accordance with local customs and traditions.
Reacting to the development, the Commander, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, expressed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the peaceful repose of the late community leader’s soul.
He assured the family and residents of Aggah Community that those implicated in the killing would face the full weight of the law.
“Justice will be served, as the suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the commander stated.
Operation UDO KA reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing peace-building efforts across the South-East, pledging to intensify operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice and providing lawful closure for victims and their families.
The military also appealed to members of the public to sustain their support for security agencies by providing timely and credible information, describing community cooperation as critical to the success of ongoing counter-crime operations in the region.
The statement was signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni.
