Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade operating under Operation UDO KA have recovered the body of an Imo community leader, Ibe Anyadu, from a shallow grave after a suspected criminal led security operatives to the burial site during an ongoing operation.
The recovery followed intelligence-driven operations that resulted in the arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons.
During interrogation, one of the suspects allegedly confessed to participating in Chief Anyadu’s murder and volunteered to lead troops to the location where the community leader had been buried.
Anyadu was allegedly murdered by members of a criminal gang recently apprehended in connection with a series of violent crimes in the region. His death had heightened concerns within the Aggah Community, with residents demanding justice and accountability for the killing.
On August 2, 2026, the suspect guided troops to a shallow grave concealed within Umudike Forest, identified by the military as one of the gang’s known camps.
The remains of the late community leader were subsequently recovered and exhumed as part of the Army’s ongoing operations aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts across the South-East.
Confirming the development in a statement on Monday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, 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 to ensure transparency throughout the process.
Ayeni added that the deceased’s family provided a coffin and an ambulance to facilitate the dignified evacuation and burial of Chief Anyadu’s remains in accordance with the community’s customs and traditions.
Reacting to the development, the Commander, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, extended his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the peaceful repose of the late chief’s soul.
He assured the family and residents of Aggah Community that justice would be pursued, stressing that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Fadairo reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security across the South-East, noting that ongoing operations are focused on dismantling criminal networks, bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice, and ensuring victims’ families receive closure through lawful means.
He also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, describing public cooperation as essential to the success of ongoing operations against criminal elements in the region.