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

Troops of Operation UDO KA have recovered and exhumed the remains of a community leader, Ibe Anyadu, from a shallow grave in Imo State.

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

Ayeni said Anyadu, a leader from Aggah Community, was allegedly murdered by members of a criminal gang recently apprehended by troops.

Ayeni said the suspects were initially arrested during intelligence-led operations that also led to the recovery of stolen military weapons and the arrest of individuals linked to the killing of a soldier.

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

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“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.”

Ayeni quoted the Commander of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, as expressing condolences to the bereaved family and assured them that justice would be served.

Fadairo said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the laws.