Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade operating under Operation UDO KA have recovered and exhumed the remains of the late Chief Ibe Anyadu, a prominent community leader from Aggah Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, following fresh intelligence obtained from suspects arrested over a series of violent crimes in the South-East.
The breakthrough came under the military’s ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II, in what security authorities described as another major success in efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across the region.
According to military authorities, the development followed recent intelligence-led operations that resulted in the arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons. During interrogation, one of the suspects reportedly confessed to participating in the murder of Chief Anyadu and subsequently volunteered to lead troops to the location where the community leader’s body had been buried.
Acting on the information, troops on August 2, 2026, were guided to a shallow grave inside Umudike Forest, identified as one of the criminal gang’s camps, where the remains of the late chief were successfully exhumed.
The exhumation was witnessed by members of Chief Anyadu’s family, vigilante operatives from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of both the Aggah and Umudike communities. Family members provided a coffin and an ambulance to facilitate the dignified evacuation of the remains for burial in accordance with local customs and traditions.
Reacting to the development, the Commander of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring justice for the slain community leader.
The senior military officer said, “I extend my condolences to the family of the late Chief and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.”
He assured the family and residents of Aggah Community that those responsible for the killing would face the full weight of the law.
“Justice will be served, as the suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Fadairo stated.
The military noted that the recovery of Chief Anyadu’s remains represents another milestone in its sustained offensive against criminal elements operating in the South-East.
Headquarters Operation UDO KA reiterated that the Joint Task Force remains committed to dismantling criminal syndicates, bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice, and ensuring that victims’ families receive closure through lawful processes.
The military also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible intelligence, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to the success of efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the South-East.
