Troops uncover shallow grave, exhume remains of slain Imo community leader
Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA have uncovered a shallow grave in Imo State and exhumed the remains of a late community leader, Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community, in a major breakthrough under the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II.
According to the military, Chief Anyadu was allegedly murdered by suspected members of a criminal gang recently arrested for their involvement in violent crimes across the region.
The development followed 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. During interrogation, one of the suspects reportedly confessed to participating in the murder of the community leader and volunteered to lead troops to the burial site.
On 2 August 2026, the suspect led troops to a shallow grave located 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 an ambulance to ensure the late community leader received a dignified burial in line with local customs and traditions.
The Commander of 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 justice would be pursued, stating that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Operation UDO KA reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing peace-building efforts across the South-East, stressing that security forces would continue dismantling criminal networks, bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice, and supporting victims' families through lawful processes.
The military also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations in the region.
Comments