Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade operating under Operation UDO KA have recovered the remains of a community leader allegedly murdered by a criminal gang, after suspects led security operatives to a shallow grave hidden inside a forest in Imo State.
The Nigerian Army said the remains of the late Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community were exhumed following intelligence obtained during the interrogation of suspects recently arrested over a series of violent crimes in the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni.
According to the Army, the breakthrough followed intelligence-led operations that earlier resulted in the arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a Nigerian Army officer and the recovery of stolen military weapons.
During interrogation, one of the suspects allegedly confessed to participating in the murder of Chief Anyadu and volunteered to lead troops to the location where the community leader had been buried.
On August 2, 2026, the suspects guided troops to a shallow grave inside Umudike Forest, identified as one of the gang’s operational camps, where the remains of the deceased were successfully exhumed.
Family, Community Witness Exhumation
The Army said the exhumation was carried out in the presence of members of the deceased’s family, vigilante personnel from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of the Aggah and Umudike communities.
According to the statement, the family provided a coffin and an ambulance to enable the late community leader to be buried in accordance with local customs and traditions.
Commander of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, extended his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the peaceful repose of Chief Anyadu’s soul.
He assured the family and the people of Aggah Community that those responsible for the killing would face prosecution in line with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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Fadairo reaffirmed Operation UDO KA’s commitment to restoring peace across the South-East, saying troops would continue to dismantle criminal networks, bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice and ensure victims’ families receive closure through lawful processes.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, describing public cooperation as critical to the success of ongoing operations.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.