Troops of Operation UDO KA have recovered and exhumed the remains of a community leader, Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, following intelligence obtained from suspects arrested over violent crimes in the South-East.
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday, August 3, 2026.
According to the statement, Chief Anyadu was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by members of a suspected criminal gang. One of the arrested suspects reportedly confessed during interrogation to participating in the killing and led troops to a shallow grave in Umudike Forest, described as a known criminal hideout.
The Army said the remains were exhumed on August 2, 2026, in the presence of the deceased’s family, vigilante members 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.
The statement noted that the breakthrough followed earlier intelligence-led operations that resulted in the arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons.
It read in part:
“Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, operating under Operation UDO KA and through the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II, have achieved another significant breakthrough with the recovery and dignified exhumation of the remains of the late Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community.
“Chief Anyadu was allegedly murdered by suspected members of a criminal gang recently apprehended in connection with violent crimes in the region.
“During interrogation, one of the suspects confessed to involvement in the murder of Chief Anyadu and volunteered to lead troops to the burial site.”
The Commander of the Joint Task Force South-East, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and assured them that those responsible would be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He reiterated that Operation UDO KA remains committed to dismantling criminal networks, bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice, and restoring peace across the South-East.
The Army also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.