Troops uncover shallow grave in Imo forest, exhume remains of slain community leader

Troops of Operation UDO KA have recovered and exhumed the remains of a community leader, Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. 

Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations  
82 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, August 3, 2026 said the development follows intelligence obtained from suspects arrested over violent crimes in the South-East. 

Anyadu was allegedly kidnapped and m8rdered by suspected members of the criminal gang. 

According to the statement, one of the arrested suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation to participating in the k!lling of the late community leader and subsequently led troops to a shallow grave located in Umudike Forest, a known criminal hideout.

The Army said the remains were exhumed on August 2, 2026, in the presence of the deceased’s family, vigilante members from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of the Aggah and Umudike communities.

It added that the family provided a coffin and an ambulance to facilitate a dignified burial in accordance with local customs and traditions.

The statement noted that the arrests followed earlier intelligence-led operations that led to the apprehension of suspects linked to the k!lling of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons.

“Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, operating under Operation UDO KA and through the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II, have achieved another significant breakthrough with the recovery and dignified exhumation of the remains of the late Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community,” the statement read.

“Chief Anyadu was allegedly murdered by suspected members of a criminal gang recently apprehended in connection with violent crimes in the region.

“This development follows recent intelligence-driven operations that led to the arrest of suspects responsible for the k!lling of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons. 

“During interrogation, one of the suspects confessed to involvement in the m8rder of Chief Anyadu and volunteered to lead troops to the burial site.

“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 was successfully exhumed.  

“The exhumation was conducted in the presence of the deceased’s family members, vigilante personnel from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of Aggah and Umudike communities. 

“The family provided a coffin and ambulance to ensure a dignified burial in accordance with their customs and traditions.

“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.

“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.  

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

“The public is encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, which remains vital to the success of ongoing operations.”