The Abia State Police Command has recovered 28 human skulls and other human bones from forests in the Isuochi and Nneato communities of Umunneochi Local Government Area. This was disclosed by the command's spokesperson, Maureen Chinaka, following a security operation conducted on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The operation was part of the command's efforts to flush out suspected criminals from the state.
According to Chinaka, the operation involved several units, including the Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Anti-Cultism Unit, Intelligence Response Unit, Rapid Response Squad, and Isuochi Police Headquarters. The operatives conducted intelligence-led raids on suspected criminal camps in forests around Umuaku, Isuochi, and another camp at Nneato. The suspected criminals fled when the police arrived, leaving the camps deserted.
The remains were discovered while the operatives searched the suspected kidnappers' camps. Chinaka said the police suspected the remains belonged to people who had been kidnapped and taken into the forest. However, she noted that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the discovery of the human remains.
Some of the remains were found to be decomposed, according to Chinaka. The police spokesperson stated that no arrest has been made in connection with the discovery as the suspects reportedly fled before the arrival of the police. Efforts are being made to catch the suspects who are on the run.
Photographs and videos released by the police showed human skulls and bones scattered on the ground inside the forest. The police said the operation formed part of its wider efforts to dismantle suspected criminal camps in the state. The Umunneochi area has previously featured in security operations targeting suspected kidnappers.
The Abia State Police Command urged residents to report information that could assist security agencies in tackling criminal activities in the state. The command's efforts to address insecurity in the area are ongoing, with a focus on flushing out suspected criminals and preventing further kidnappings.
The recovery of the human skulls and bones has raised concerns about the security situation in the area. The police have promised to continue investigating the matter and to take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident has also highlighted the need for increased community engagement and cooperation with security agencies to address the root causes of insecurity in the area.
Key points
- Abia State Police recover 28 human skulls and bones from forests in Isuochi and Nneato communities
- The operation was part of the command's efforts to flush out suspected criminals from the state
- Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the discovery of the human remains
