Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade operating under Operation UDO KA have uncovered a shallow grave in Imo State and exhumed the remains of a murdered community leader, marking another major breakthrough in ongoing security operations across the South-east.
The operation, conducted under the wider Operation EASTERN SANITY II, led to the recovery of the remains of the late Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community, who was allegedly killed by members of a criminal gang linked to a series of violent attacks in the area.
The latest success followed intelligence-driven operations that recently resulted in the arrest of suspected criminals connected to the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen military weapons.
Military authorities disclosed that during interrogation, one of the arrested suspects confessed to participating in the murder of the traditional leader and volunteered to lead troops to the location where the body had been secretly buried.
Acting on the confession, soldiers on August 2, 2026, stormed the Umudike Forest, identified as one of the gang’s operational camps, where they located and exhumed the remains from a shallow grave.
The exercise was witnessed by members of the deceased’s family, local vigilante operatives from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of the Aggah and Umudike communities, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
To accord the late Chief a dignified farewell, his family provided a coffin and an ambulance for the immediate evacuation of the remains for burial in line with the community’s customs and traditions.
The Commander, Joint Task Force South-east, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased. He also assured residents that those arrested would face prosecution in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Fadairo reaffirmed the military’s resolve to sustain offensive operations against criminal groups threatening peace and security across the South-east, stressing that all perpetrators of violent crimes would be tracked down and brought to justice.
Headquarters Operation UDO KA urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, maintaining that public cooperation remains critical to dismantling criminal networks, restoring lasting peace and ensuring justice for victims and their families.