By Kingsley Omonobi

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 34 Artillery Brigade, under Operation Udoka and the ongoing Operation Eastern Sanity II, have recovered and conducted a dignified exhumation of the remains of a community leader, Chief Ibe Anyadu, allegedly murdered by members of a criminal gang in Imo State.

The Army said the recovery followed intelligence-driven operations that led to the arrest of suspects linked to violent crimes in the region, including the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons.

Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 34 Artillery Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

According to him, one of the arrested suspects confessed to involvement in the murder of Chief Anyadu and volunteered to lead troops to the location where the remains were buried.

“On 2 August 2026, the suspects guided troops to a shallow grave within Umudike Forest, one of the criminals’ known camps, where the remains of the late community leader were successfully exhumed,” Ayeni said.

He added that the exhumation was carried out in the presence of the deceased’s family members, vigilante personnel from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of Aggah and Umudike communities.

Ayeni said the family provided a coffin and ambulance to ensure the remains were conveyed for a dignified burial in line with their customs and traditions.

The Commander, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation Udoka, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Fadairo assured the family and residents of Aggah Community that justice would be served, adding that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian laws.

He said Headquarters Operation Udoka remained committed to dismantling criminal networks, bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice, and ensuring victims and their families receive closure through lawful processes.

The Army also urged members of the public to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information to support ongoing operations against criminal activities in the South-East.