Police operatives in Abia State have recovered 28 human skulls and skeletal remains during a raid on suspected kidnappers’ camps in the Umuaku and Nneato forests of Umunneochi Local Government Area.
The operation was conducted on Saturday by tactical teams of the Abia State Police Command following intelligence reports about alleged criminal activities in the forest.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, the suspects reportedly fled after sighting the approaching police operatives.
The tactical teams subsequently dismantled the suspected criminal camps and discovered the skulls and skeletal remains. Police authorities said the remains are suspected to be human and have been handed over for forensic examination.
Forensic experts have commenced investigations to determine the identities of the deceased and establish the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Authorities are also examining possible links between the remains and unresolved missing-person cases previously reported in the area.
The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to identify and dismantle criminal hideouts across Abia State.
Following the discovery, the police command has intensified surveillance around the Umunneochi axis and appealed to residents to report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.