Troops exhume remains of slain Imo community leader from shallow grave

n n

By Kingsley Omonobi

n

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.

n

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.

n

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

n

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.

n

“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.

n

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.

n

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.

n

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.

n

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.

n

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.

n

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.

n n