A police operation in Abia State has uncovered 28 human skulls and other bones in forest areas.
The remains were discovered in Isuochi and Nneato communities within Umunneochi Local Government Area.
Police said the discovery was made during raids on suspected criminal camps in the area.
The operation took place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, according to the command.
Police spokesperson Maureen Chinaka said several tactical units took part in the operation.
They included the Violent Crime Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Anti-Cultism Unit.
Other teams involved were the Intelligence Response Unit, Rapid Response Squad and Isuochi Police Headquarters.
The officers targeted suspected camps around Umuaku, Isuochi and Nneato.
According to Chinaka, suspects fled when the police teams arrived at the camps.
She said the camps were later destroyed during the operation.
“The criminal camps were subsequently scattered,” Chinaka said.
The police team discovered the human remains while searching through the suspected kidnappers’ camps.
Chinaka said the discovery included “Total of twenty-eight (28) human skulls and bones, which we suspect are kidnap victims, were recovered.”
Some of the remains were reportedly already decomposed when officers found them.
Police suspect the remains could belong to people who were allegedly kidnapped and taken into the forest.
However, the command said investigations are still underway to establish the identities of the victims.
No suspect has been arrested over the discovery so far.
Police said the suspects escaped before officers reached the camps.
Authorities are expected to continue investigations to determine how the remains got there.
