Joint security operatives have uncovered shallow graves containing mutilated bodies in Amasiri, Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The discovery followed violent attacks in Okporojo village, Oso-Edda, where four residents were reportedly killed and beheaded.
Troops were deployed after the incident, drawing personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps.
Army spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan-Ayeni, said the operation was launched to restore calm and protect civilians.
He described the killings as brutal and said immediate security intervention was necessary to apprehend those responsible.
The Ebonyi State Government imposed a curfew in Amasiri and ordered temporary school closures to prevent further violence.
Security agencies were tasked with enforcing the curfew and supporting uninterrupted investigations across affected communities.
Authorities also deployed personnel to protect medical teams and manage humanitarian concerns arising from the unrest.
According to the Army, intelligence-led operations uncovered multiple burial sites containing bodies of adults and children.
Officials said the findings point to organised criminal activity exploiting existing communal tensions.
The Army stressed that the operation targets criminal groups, not residents of Amasiri or neighbouring communities.
It added that the exercise is being conducted professionally and in collaboration with community leaders.
Military authorities assured residents of impartial protection and pledged continued operations until peace is restored.
The Army urged the public to ignore misleading social media reports describing the deployment as an invasion.
Security agencies called on residents to cooperate and share credible information to aid ongoing investigations.
