Troops Recover Body of Abducted Community Chief in Umudike Forest

The Nigerian Army has recovered the remains of Chief IBE ANYADU of Aggah community from a shallow grave in Umudike forest, after he was abducted and murdered by members of a criminal gang operating in the Southeast.

The recovery of the body of Chief ANYADU followed the recent arrest of suspected members of the criminal gang by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, deployed under Operation UDO KA.

The breakthrough was made possible through the ongoing Operation EASTERN SANITY II, leading to the arrest of the suspected gang members and the recovery of stolen service weapons and ammunition.

The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel OLABISI OLALEKAN AYENI, said one of the suspects volunteered to lead the soldiers to exhume the site where the traditional ruler was buried within Umudike forest.

In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel AYENI said the exhumation was conducted in the presence of the deceased’s family members, vigilante operatives from Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, as well as representatives of Aggah and Umudike communities.

He said the Commander of the Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General OLUREMI AYOBAMI FADAIRO, assured the family and the people of Aggah community that justice would be served against the suspects in detention.

The Army spokesman noted that Headquarters Operation UDO KA, as part of ongoing peace-building efforts in the South-East region, remained committed to dismantling criminal networks, and bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.

He said the Army’s leadership would ensure that victims and their families receive closure through lawful processes, just as members of the public are encouraged to continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information, which remains vital to the success of ongoing operations.