Troops of Operation UDO KA have uncovered and exhumed the remains of a community leader, Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community in Imo State, following the confession of a suspected criminal arrested during ongoing military operations in the South-East.

The Nigerian Army 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 a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the recovery followed intelligence-led operations that recently led to the arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons.

Ayeni said one of the suspects, during interrogation, confessed to participating in the murder of Chief Anyadu and subsequently led troops to the burial site.

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

The Army disclosed that on August 2, 2026, the suspects guided troops to a shallow grave located inside Umudike Forest, identified as one of the criminal gang’s camps, where the remains of the slain community leader were recovered.

“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 statement added.

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 Army, the family provided a coffin and an ambulance to ensure the late chief received a dignified burial in line with local customs and traditions.

The Commander of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, sympathised with the bereaved family and assured them that those responsible for the killing would face the full weight of the law.

“He 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,” the statement said.

The Army reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the South-East, bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice and ensuring victims’ families receive closure through lawful processes.

It also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to sustain ongoing operations against criminal elements in the region.