Abia Police Operations Unearth 28 Human Skulls in Forest

The Abia State Police Command has announced the recovery of twenty-eight human skulls and various other human bones from forested areas within the Isuochi and Nneato communities, located in the Umunneochi Local Government Area of the state. Maureen Chinaka, the command's spokesperson, conveyed this information in a statement that followed a security operation carried out on Sunday, September 27, 2026. According to a Monday report by the BBC, Chinaka explained that this operation was part of the command's initiative, “Operation No Hideout for Criminal Elements in the State,” specifically designed to dislodge suspected criminals from the region.

The operation saw the involvement of multiple specialized units, including the Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidn*pping Unit, Anti-Cultism Unit, Intelligence Response Unit, Rapid Response Squad, and personnel from the Isuochi Police Headquarters. Chinaka detailed that these operatives conducted intelligence-driven raids on suspected criminal hideouts nestled within the forests of Umuaku, Isuochi, and another camp situated in Nneato, also within Isuochi.

She further stated that the suspected criminals deserted their camps and fled upon the arrival of the police. “Upon arrival of the Command tactical operatives at the camps, the suspects ran. The criminal camps were subsequently scattered,” Chinaka confirmed. The human remains were discovered as the operatives meticulously searched these suspected kidn*ppers' camps. “Total of twenty-eight (28) human skulls and bones, which we suspect are kidn*p victims, were recovered,” she revealed.

The police spokesperson noted that some of the recovered remains were in a decomposed state. She added that the command suspects these remains belong to individuals who were abducted and taken into the forest. However, Chinaka emphasized that investigations are currently ongoing. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with this discovery, as the suspects reportedly escaped before the law enforcement teams arrived. “Investigation is ongoing, while monitoring of the area continues, and efforts are high to catch the suspects who are on the run,” Chinaka assured.

Images and videos circulated by the police showcased human skulls and bones strewn across the forest floor. The command clarified that this operation is an integral part of its broader strategy to dismantle criminal strongholds across Abia State. The Umunneochi area has been a focal point for previous security operations targeting suspected kidn*ppers, with earlier reports from authorities detailing the recovery of decomposed human remains in various parts of the local government area. The Abia State Police Command has appealed to residents to provide any information that could aid security agencies in their efforts to combat criminal activities within the state.