Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, operating under Operation UDO KA through the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II, have recovered and exhumed the remains of the late Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community, in what the Nigerian Army described as another major breakthrough in its operations against criminal elements in the South-East.

The Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Operation UDO KA, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni.

According to the statement, Chief Anyadu was allegedly murdered by suspected members of a criminal gang recently arrested in connection with a series of violent crimes in the region.

The Army said the latest development followed intelligence-led operations that resulted in the arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen military weapons.

It explained that during interrogation, one of the suspects confessed to participating in the murder of the traditional leader and volunteered to lead troops to the location where his body had been buried.

“On 2 August 2026, the suspects guided troops to a shallow grave within Umudike Forest, one of the criminals’ known camps, where the remains of the late community leader were successfully exhumed,” the statement said.

The exhumation was carried out in the presence of members of the deceased’s family, vigilante personnel from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of the Aggah and Umudike communities.

According to the Army, the family provided a coffin and an ambulance to facilitate a dignified burial for the late chief in line with local customs and traditions.

The Commander, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, commiserated with the family of the deceased and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Fadairo assured the family and residents of Aggah Community that those responsible for the killing would face prosecution in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Headquarters Operation UDO KA to ongoing efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the South-East, bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice, and ensuring that victims and their families receive closure through lawful means.

The Army also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, describing public cooperation as critical to the success of ongoing operations against criminal elements in the region.