Army recovers abducted Imo community leader’s remains from forest grave

Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, operating under Operation UDO KA in Imo State, have exhumed the remains of Chief Ibe Anyadu, a community leader from Aggah in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area. Chief Anyadu had been kidnapped and murdered by a criminal gang and subsequently buried in a shallow grave within the Umudike Forest.

The discovery was made following recent intelligence-led operations that led to the arrest of suspects connected to the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons. During interrogation, one of the arrested suspects confessed to participating in Chief Anyadu's murder and guided the troops to the burial site in Umudike Forest.

The exhumation, which took place on August 2, 2026, was conducted in the presence of Chief Anyadu's family, local vigilante personnel, and community representatives. The family provided a coffin and ambulance for a dignified burial according to local customs. The Army reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.

Major General Oluremi Fadairo, Commander of the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, assured the victim's family and the Aggah community that those arrested would face prosecution. This operation is part of ongoing sustained military efforts across the South-East aimed at combating armed groups responsible for a wave of attacks, kidnappings, and killings in the region, with a particular focus on restoring public safety in areas like Ohaji/Egbema.

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On August 2, 2026, the suspects guided troops to a shallow grave within the Umudike Forest, one of the criminals’ known camps, where the remains of the late Chief Ibe Anyadu were successfully exhumed.