Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation UDO KA have uncovered and exhumed the remains of a community leader allegedly murdered by members of a criminal gang in Imo State.
The Army said the breakthrough was recorded by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade during ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II after intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of suspects linked to violent crimes in the region.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the victim, Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community, was allegedly killed by members of the criminal gang recently arrested over the murder of a Nigerian Army soldier and the theft of military weapons.
The statement said one of the suspects confessed during interrogation to participating in the killing of the community leader and volunteered to lead troops to the burial site.
On August 2, 2026, the suspects guided soldiers to a shallow grave in Umudike Forest, identified as one of the gang’s camps, where the remains of Chief Anyadu 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 ambulance to ensure the late chief received a dignified burial in line 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 the deceased’s soul.
He assured the family and residents of Aggah Community that justice would be served, stressing that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Operation UDO KA reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the South-East, bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice, and ensuring victims’ families receive closure through lawful processes. The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
