Nigeria: 28 skulls discovered by police in Abia State forests

Nigerian security forces made a macabre discovery on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Abia State, located in the southeast of the country. According to information reported by RFI, local police unearthed 28 skulls as well as various human bones hidden in the heart of several forest areas in the region.

The discovery took place during a joint intervention by the police and special forces. Officers were conducting a sweep operation to dislodge criminal groups that were using these forests as rear bases. A video released by the authorities shows that the remains were barely hidden under the vegetation.

According to police statements, these remains could belong to people abducted by kidnapping networks. The age of the deaths remains unknown for the time being. No arrests could be made on the spot, as the individuals present in the area fled before the security forces were deployed.

The spokesperson for the Abia State police, Maureen Chioma Chinaka, stated that an in-depth investigation is underway and that the sector remains under strict police surveillance in order to find those who fled. Even though southeastern Nigeria is generally less affected by ransom kidnappings than the rest of the territory, this criminal phenomenon remains very present there.

Faced with this tragedy, the organization Amnesty International Nigeria spoke out through an official statement. The NGO has formally requested that government authorities use all necessary means to identify the culprits, bring them to justice, and provide restorative answers to the families of the grieving victims.

Our perspective

This painful discovery reminds us of the absolute urgency of protecting the lives and safety of African citizens. The eradication of banditry and insecurity is essential to guarantee the fundamental right of every individual to live in peace. Full light must be shed on these crimes in order to bring justice to the victims and their loved ones.