Troops of Operation UDO KA have recovered the remains of a community leader allegedly killed by a criminal gang in Imo State after an arrested suspect led security operatives to a shallow grave concealed in a forest.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement on Monday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni.

According to the statement, the remains of the late Chief Ibe Anyadu of Aggah Community were recovered by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA during the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II.

The Army explained that the discovery followed intelligence-driven operations which recently led to the arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen military weapons.

During interrogation, one of the suspects reportedly confessed to participating in the murder of Chief Anyadu and volunteered to lead troops to the burial site.

On August 2, 2026, the suspect guided soldiers to a shallow grave inside Umudike Forest, which the Army described as one of the gang’s operational hideouts. The remains of the community leader were subsequently exhumed.

The exercise was witnessed by members of the deceased’s family, local vigilante personnel from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives of the Aggah and Umudike communities.

The Army said the family provided a coffin and an ambulance to transport the remains for burial in accordance with their customs and traditions.

Speaking on the development, the Commander of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured them that everyone involved in the killing would be brought to justice.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring that those responsible are prosecuted in line with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Nigerian Army also restated its resolve to sustain operations aimed at dismantling criminal groups operating across the South-East, prosecuting perpetrators of violent crimes, and providing justice and closure for victims’ families.

It urged residents of the region to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information, noting that public cooperation remains vital to the success of ongoing operations.