RismadarVoice Reporters
August 3, 2026
Troops of Operation UDO KA have recovered the remains of a community leader allegedly murdered by suspected members of a criminal gang during a military operation in Imo State.
The recovery followed an intelligence-led operation by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II, which had earlier resulted in the arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen military weapons.
According to the Nigerian Army, one of the arrested suspects confessed during interrogation to participating in the murder of Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community and subsequently led troops to the burial site.
On August 2, troops uncovered a shallow grave in the Umudike Forest, identified as one of the gang’s camps, where the remains of the late community leader were exhumed.
The exhumation was witnessed by members of the deceased’s family, local vigilante personnel from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of the Aggah and Umudike communities. The family provided a coffin and ambulance to facilitate a dignified burial in line with traditional rites.
Commander of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, sympathised with the family of the deceased and assured them that justice would be pursued through the prosecution of the suspects in accordance with Nigerian law.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the South-East through sustained security operations, while urging members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to enhance ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the region.
