Troops uncover shallow grave in Imo forest following interrogation of criminal gang members
The Nigerian Army has exhumed the remains of Chief Ibe Anyadu, a community leader from Aggah Community in Imo State, who was allegedly murdered by suspected criminals now in military custody.
Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, disclosed in a statement on Monday that troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, operating under Operation Udoka and the ongoing Operation Eastern Sanity II, made the grim discovery after one of the arrested suspects confessed to the killing.
Suspect Leads Troops to Shallow Grave
The breakthrough followed intelligence-driven operations that resulted in the arrest of suspects linked to the murder of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons.
“During interrogation, one of the suspects confessed to involvement in the murder of Chief Anyadu and volunteered to lead troops to the burial site,” Ayeni said.
On August 2, 2026, the suspects guided troops to a shallow grave within Umudike Forest—identified as one of the criminals’ known camps where the remains of the late community leader were successfully exhumed.
Dignified Repatriation
The exhumation was carried out in the presence of the deceased’s family members, vigilante personnel from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of Aggah and Umudike communities.
According to the statement, the family provided a coffin and ambulance to ensure a dignified burial in accordance with their customs and traditions.
Military Vows Justice
Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, Commander of the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation Udoka, extended condolences to the grieving family and prayed for the peaceful repose of the chief’s soul.
“He further assured the family and the people of Aggah Community that justice will be served, as the suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement added.
Peace-Building Commitment
Headquarters Operation Udoka reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring victims’ families receive closure through lawful processes as part of ongoing peace-building efforts in the South-East region.
The military encouraged the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, which remains vital to the success of ongoing operations.
