Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation UDO KA have uncovered and exhumed the remains of a community leader allegedly murdered by a criminal gang in Imo State, in what military authorities described as another breakthrough in ongoing security operations across the South-East.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade made the discovery during Operation EASTERN SANITY II after intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of suspects linked to violent crimes in the region.
The Army said the development followed the recent arrest of suspects connected with the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons. During interrogation, one of the suspects reportedly confessed to participating in the murder of Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community and volunteered to lead troops to the burial site.
On August 2, 2026, the suspect guided the troops to a shallow grave located in Umudike Forest, identified as one of the 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 provided a coffin and an ambulance to facilitate a dignified burial in accordance with local customs and traditions.
Commander of the 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 Chief Anyadu’s soul. He assured the family and residents of Aggah Community that those responsible for the killing would face prosecution in line with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Army reiterated that Operation UDO KA remains committed to dismantling criminal networks, bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice, and ensuring that victims and their families obtain closure through lawful processes.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, noting that community support remains essential to the success of ongoing operations across the South-East.
