Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade have exhumed human remains suspected to be those of Chief Ibe Anyadu, a traditional leader from Aggah Community in Imo State, following intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks in the South-East.
The exhumation took place on Sunday, August 2, during ongoing missions under Operation UDO KA and Operation EASTERN SANITY II. Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 82 Division, confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday.
According to Ayeni, the breakthrough followed the recent arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons. During interrogation, one suspect confessed to involvement in Anyadu’s murder and agreed to lead troops to the burial site.
The suspect guided soldiers to a shallow grave in Umudike Forest, identified as a known camp used by the criminal group. The exhumation was witnessed by the deceased’s family members, vigilante operatives from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of both Aggah and Umudike communities. The family provided a coffin and ambulance to ensure a dignified reburial in line with local customs.
Major General Oluremi Fadairo, Commander of the Joint Task Force South-East under Operation UDO KA and General Officer Commanding 82 Division, extended condolences to the Anyadu family and the Aggah community. He pledged that the suspects would face prosecution in accordance with the law and reiterated the task force’s commitment to dismantling violent criminal networks across the region.
Fadairo urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, describing community cooperation as essential to sustaining the gains of ongoing peace-building efforts.
