Nigerian soldiers find grave and retrieve body of community leader

Troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade have found and dug up the remains of Ibe Anyadu, a community leader from Aggah Community in Imo State.

The troops, part of Operation UDO KA and currently running Operation EASTERN SANITY II, made the discovery on Sunday.

This information was shared in a statement by Olabisi Ayeni, a lieutenant-colonel and acting deputy director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu on Monday.

Mr Anyadu was reportedly killed by suspected members of a criminal gang recently arrested for violent crimes in the South-east region.

According to Mr Ayeni, this development came after intelligence-led operations that resulted in the arrest of suspects linked to the murder of a Nigerian soldier and the recovery of stolen military weapons.

"During questioning, one of the suspects admitted his role in Anyadu's murder and agreed to show troops where he was buried.

"On August 2, the suspects took the troops to a shallow grave in Umudike Forest, which is known to be one of their hideouts, where the remains of the late community leader were dug up successfully.

"The exhumation took place with family members of the deceased, local vigilante members from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, and representatives from Aggah and Umudike communities present.

"The family provided a coffin and ambulance to ensure that he received a proper burial according to their customs and traditions."

The Commander of the Joint Task Force South-East, Major-General Oluremi Fadairo, expressed his condolences to the family of the late Anyadu and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.

Mr Fadairo, who is also the general officer commanding the 82 Division, assured the family and the Aggah community that justice would be done and that the suspects would face prosecution as the law dictates.

"The headquarters of Operation UDO KA, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote peace in the South-east, is dedicated to breaking down criminal networks and ensuring that those who commit violent crimes face justice.

"The public is urged to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information, which is crucial for the success of our ongoing operations," he said.