In brief
Abia State police uncovered 28 skulls and bones in the Umuaku and Nneato forests during a sweep of suspected criminal camps. The remains, found in the Umunneochi area, are believed to be victims of a kidnapping operation that has plagued the region. Police suspect the suspects fled when they arrived, leaving their hideouts dismantled. Investigations are underway to identify the victims and link the bodies to unresolved kidnapping cases across southeastern Nigeria.
Police in Abia State carried out a security operation in the Umunneochi area on Saturday and discovered at least 28 skulls and bones inside two suspected criminal camps. The operation was launched after intelligence indicated illegal activity in the dense forests.
Abia State Police spokeswoman Maureen Chinaka warned that the suspects fled when officers approached, leaving the hideouts intact. She confirmed that 28 human skulls and bones were recovered and believes that the remains belong to kidnapping victims.
The discovery raises new fears that groups targeting motorists and local residents for ransom are operating from remote forest hideouts. Police are intensifying surveillance in the area and are calling on residents to report suspicious activity.
Commissioner Wilfred Afolabi said this operation is part of a broader campaign to dismantle criminal camps in the state. The police are also coordinating with forensic teams to establish the identities of the victims and determine the circumstances of their deaths.
Earlier this year, more than 80 people were abducted in mass kidnappings in northern Nigeria, including nearly 50 farmers in Niger State and 40 women in Zamfara State. These incidents underline the continuing threat of kidnapping for ransom by criminal gangs and militant groups across the country.
