Troops of Operation UDO KA have uncovered a shallow grave in Imo State and exhumed the remains of a slain community leader, Chief Ibe Anyadu, in a major breakthrough against criminal gangs operating in the South-East.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday, August 3, 2026, by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, who said the operation was carried out by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA as part of the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II.
According to the Army, the recovery followed recent intelligence-led operations that led to the arrest of suspected members of a notorious criminal syndicate linked to the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen military weapons.
Ayeni explained that one of the suspects confessed during interrogation to participating in the murder of Chief Anyadu and subsequently led troops to the location where the community leader had been secretly buried.
“This development follows recent intelligence-driven operations that led to the arrest of suspects responsible for the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons. During interrogation, one of the suspects confessed to involvement in the murder of Chief Anyadu and volunteered to lead troops to the burial site,” he said.
He disclosed that on August 2, 2026, the suspects guided security operatives to a shallow grave inside Umudike Forest, identified as one of the gang’s operational camps, where the remains of the late community leader were successfully exhumed.
The military said the exhumation was witnessed by members of the deceased’s family, vigilante personnel from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of the Aggah and Umudike communities.
According to the statement, the family provided a coffin and an ambulance to ensure the late Chief Anyadu received a dignified burial in accordance with local customs and traditions.
The Commander of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured them that those responsible for the killing would be brought to justice.
“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,” Ayeni stated.
He added: “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.”
Reaffirming its commitment to restoring peace across the South-East, the Army said it would continue to dismantle criminal networks, prosecute perpetrators of violent crimes, and ensure that victims and their families receive justice through lawful processes.
“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 statement added.
The military also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely intelligence to support ongoing security operations across the region.
