Remains of at least 28 people found in Nigerian forest camps

Police in Nigeria's southeastern Abia state have recovered the skulls and bones of at least 28 people from suspected criminal camps in the Umuaku and Nneato forests. The discovery was made during a security operation in the Umunneochi area on Saturday.

According to police spokeswoman Maureen Chinaka, suspects fled the camps upon the arrival of law enforcement. The operation was launched based on intelligence reports regarding suspected criminal activity in the forests, which are known to be used by gangs operating across southeastern Nigeria. These groups frequently target motorists, travelers, and residents for ransom.

Forensic and other investigations are underway to establish the identities of the remains and the circumstances of their deaths. "Upon arrival of the Command's tactical operatives at the camps, the suspects fled. The criminal camps were subsequently dismantled. A total of twenty-eight human skulls and bones, suspected to be kidnap victims, were recovered," Chinaka stated.

Abia State Police Commissioner Wilfred Afolabi said the operation is part of an ongoing effort to dismantle criminal hideouts in the state. Police have increased surveillance in the area and are seeking to apprehend the individuals who fled. Authorities are urging residents to report any suspicious activity and security concerns as efforts continue to identify the victims and potentially link them to unresolved kidnapping cases in the region.

This incident is likely to reignite concerns about widespread kidnapping for ransom, which has become a significant source of income for criminal groups, including bandits and militant Islamists, particularly in northern Nigeria. Over the weekend, separate mass kidnappings were reported in two other states. In Niger State, nearly 50 farmers were abducted on Sunday, and approximately 40 women were kidnapped in the neighboring Zamfara State on the same day, according to security reports and local sources.