Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA, conducting Operation EASTERN SANITY II, have recovered and exhumed the remains of a slain community leader, Chief Ibe Anyadu, after a suspected criminal confessed to the killing and led soldiers to the burial site.
The News Chronicle reports that the breakthrough followed intelligence-led operations that recently resulted in the arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons. During interrogation, one of the suspects admitted to participating in Chief Anyadu’s murder and volunteered to take troops to where the body had been buried.
On August 2, 2026, the suspect led troops to a shallow grave inside Umudike Forest, a known hideout of the criminal gang, where the remains of the late community leader were successfully exhumed.
The operation 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. The family provided a coffin and an ambulance to ensure the late chief received a dignified burial in line with local customs and traditions.
Commander of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, expressed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the peaceful repose of Chief Anyadu’s soul.
He assured the family and the people of Aggah that justice would be served, stressing that all suspects involved would be prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law.
The Headquarters of Operation UDO KA reaffirmed 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.
The military also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, describing public cooperation as crucial to the success of ongoing operations against criminal elements in the region.
