Military exhumed body of murdered Imo community chief from a crude burial site

Troops of Operation UDO KA have uncovered the remains of Chief Ibe Anyadu, a community leader from Aggah Community in Imo State, in a shallow grave, following a tip from a suspect allegedly involved in his murder who guided security operatives to the site.

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The Nigerian Army revealed this information in a statement issued on Monday, stating that the operation was conducted by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade as part of the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II.

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The breakthrough was made possible by 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, according to the Army.

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One of the suspects confessed to participating in the murder of the community leader during interrogation, prompting the Army to take action to locate the remains.

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The suspect subsequently led troops to a forest camp, where the remains of Chief Anyadu were recovered, with the Army stating that the development followed recent intelligence-driven operations.

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On 2 August 2026, the suspects guided troops to a shallow grave within Umudike Forest, a known camp of the criminals, where the remains of the late community leader were successfully exhumed.

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The exhumation was witnessed by members of the deceased's family, as well as vigilante personnel from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area and representatives of the Aggah and Umudike communities.

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The family provided a coffin and ambulance to ensure a dignified burial in accordance with their customs and traditions, as the exhumation was conducted in the presence of the deceased's family members and community representatives.

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Maj. Gen. Oluremi Fadairo, Commander of the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, expressed sympathy with the family and assured them that those responsible would face prosecution.

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He further assured the family and the people of Aggah Community that justice will be served, as the suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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The Army reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks in the South-East and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.