The Abia State Police Command has recovered 28 human skulls and other skeletal remains during raids on suspected criminal camps in forests around Umuaku-Isuochi and Nneato in Umunneochi Local Government Area of the state.

The discovery was made during intelligence-led operations conducted as part of the command’s efforts to dismantle suspected criminal hideouts across Abia.

Suspects Escape During Raid

According to the police, tactical operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Anti-Cultism Unit, Intelligence Response Unit, Rapid Response Squad and Isuochi Police Headquarters participated in the operation.

The command said the suspected occupants of the camps fled after sighting the security operatives, leaving the locations deserted.

Police spokesperson Maureen Chinaka said the camps were subsequently dismantled and searched by the operatives.

Remains Suspected to Be Kidnap Victims

During the search, officers discovered 28 human skulls and other bones, some of which had already decomposed.

The police said the remains were suspected to belong to victims of kidnapping, but stressed that investigations are still ongoing to establish the identities of the deceased and determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

No arrests have been reported in connection with the discovery, as the suspected occupants escaped before the security team arrived.

The command said surveillance of the area has been intensified, while efforts are continuing to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Police Intensify Operations

The Abia Police Command said the operation forms part of its wider campaign against criminal hideouts in the state.

The command also urged residents to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying suspicious activities and locating suspected criminals.

Investigations into the recovered remains and the activities allegedly carried out at the forest camps are continuing.