Troops recover remains of murdered Imo community leader from forest hideout

Troops of Operation UDO KA have exhumed the remains of a community leader allegedly murdered by a criminal gang in Imo State after one of the suspects led security operatives to a shallow grave hidden inside a forest.

The Nigerian Army said the remains of the late Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community were recovered during an intelligence-led operation under Operation EASTERN SANITY II, following the arrest of suspects linked to violent crimes in the South-East.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, the breakthrough came after troops apprehended suspects connected to the killing of a soldier and the theft of military weapons.

During interrogation, one of the suspects reportedly confessed to participating in the murder of Chief Anyadu and volunteered to take troops to the burial site.

On August 2, the suspect led soldiers to Umudike Forest, described by the Army as one of the gang’s operational camps, where the body of the late community leader was buried in a shallow grave.

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

The family later provided a coffin and an ambulance to transport the remains for burial in accordance with local customs.

Reacting to the development, the Commander of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Maj. Gen. Oluremi Fadairo, sympathised with the bereaved family and assured them that those responsible for the killing would face prosecution.

He said the military remained committed to dismantling criminal groups operating in the South-East and ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes.

Fadairo also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, describing public cooperation as essential to the success of ongoing operations across the region.