The gallant troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have uncovered and exhumed the remains of a slain community leader in Imo State, Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community, in the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II against criminal elements in the South-East.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lt Col Olalekan Olabisi Ayeni.

The statement explained that the late community leader was allegedly murdered by members of a criminal gang recently arrested for a series of violent crimes in the region.

It further explained that the breakthrough followed intelligence-led operations that earlier resulted in the arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons.

According to the statement, one of the suspects confessed during interrogation to participating in the murder of Chief Anyadu and subsequently led troops to the burial site.

“On August 2, 2026, soldiers were guided to a shallow grave hidden inside the Umudike Forest, identified as one of the gang’s operational camps, where the remains of the deceased were recovered.”

It added that the exhumation was witnessed by members of Chief Anyadu’s family, vigilante personnel from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of the Aggah and Umudike communities.

According to it, 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.

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The statement further added that the Commander, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, extended his condolences to the family of the late chief and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul, and further assured the family and the people of Aggah Community that justice would be served, as the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The statement reaffirmed that the Headquarters, Operation UDO KA, as part of ongoing peace-building efforts in the South-East region, remained committed to dismantling criminal networks, bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice, and ensuring that victims and their families received closure through lawful processes.

It urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, which remained vital to the success of ongoing operations in the region.