Troops of the Nigerian Army have exhumed the remains of Chief Ibe Anyadu, the late leader of Aggah community in Imo State, after suspects linked to his murder led security operatives to a shallow grave hidden inside Umudike Forest.
The discovery followed an intelligence-driven operation by the military targeting criminal gangs operating in the South-East. According to the Army, the suspects were initially arrested over the killing of a soldier and the theft of military weapons before fresh revelations emerged during interrogation.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, one of the suspects confessed to participating in the killing of Chief Anyadu and volunteered to take troops to the burial site.
“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 statement said.
On August 2, 2026, the suspects guided troops to a shallow grave located inside Umudike Forest, described by the Army as one of the criminal group’s operational camps. The remains of the late community leader were subsequently exhumed.
The operation was witnessed by members of Chief Anyadu’s family, local vigilante personnel from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of both the Aggah and Umudike communities. Family members also provided a coffin and an ambulance to ensure the deceased received a dignified burial in accordance with local customs.
Commander of the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Maj. Gen. Oluremi Fadairo, expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured residents that those responsible for the killing would face the full weight of the law.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the South-East, prosecuting perpetrators of violent crimes and ensuring victims’ families receive justice through lawful processes.
The Army also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely intelligence, noting that community support remains critical to the success of ongoing security operations in the region.
