By Ayorinde Oluokun

Nigerian Army has announced the recovery and exhumation of the remains of Chief Ibe Anyadu, a community leader in Aggah Community of Imo State who was murdered by a suspected gang of criminals from Umudike forest.

Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, operating under Operation UDO KA led the recovery and dignified exhumation of the remains of the late Chief Anyadu during the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations, 82 Division of Nigerian Army said in a statement on Monday.

According to the statement, the development followed the recent arrest of suspects responsible for the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons.

One of the suspects, according to the statement, had confessed to involvement in the murder of Chief Anyadu and volunteered to lead troops to the burial site.

Following his confession, the suspect on 2 August 2026 led 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.

“The exhumation was conducted in the presence of the deceased’s family members, vigilante personnel from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of Aggah and Umudike communities. The family provided a coffin and ambulance to ensure a dignified burial in accordance with their customs and traditions,” the statement indicated.

Ayeni quoted the Commander, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo as extending his condolences to the family of the late Chief and praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.

Fadairo further assured the family and the people of Aggah Community that justice will be served over the murder of the community leader as the suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Headquarters Operation UDO KA, as part of ongoing peace-building efforts in the South-East region, remains committed to dismantling criminal networks, bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice, and ensuring that victims and their families receive closure through lawful processes. The public is encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, which remains vital to the success of ongoing operations,” Ayeni concluded.