A suspected serial killer identified simply as Akaninyene has been arrested in Cross River State after security operatives uncovered multiple shallow graves in a forest hideout located in Abanyama, Ukim Ita Community, Creektown, Odukpani Local Government Area.
The suspect was reportedly tracked down following intelligence linking him to the disappearance and murder of a recent victim within the community.
According to reports, operatives of the Nigerian Army alongside a tactical special forces team, accompanied by community youths and elders, stormed the isolated forest area where the suspect allegedly lived in a hut he personally constructed.
Sources disclosed that upon noticing the arrival of security personnel, Akaninyene allegedly rushed into the hut in an attempt to retrieve a weapon before trying to flee into the surrounding forest. He was, however, overpowered and arrested by the tactical team.
A subsequent search of the hideout reportedly led to the shocking discovery of eight shallow graves containing decomposing bodies believed to be victims of the suspect. The bodies were allegedly buried without their heads, while plantain crops had been planted over the graves in what investigators suspect was an attempt to conceal the crimes.
The gruesome discovery has raised fears that the killings may have continued undetected for an extended period.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to being responsible for the deaths of about 30 persons who had previously been declared missing in the community.
Security sources said he later led operatives to the burial sites where several headless bodies were exhumed.
Investigators further revealed that Akaninyene confessed that the latest killing, said to have taken place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, eventually exposed his activities after residents reportedly heard sounds of struggle and cries from the victim.
The suspect also allegedly claimed that a female accomplice assisted in carrying out some of the killings by luring victims to secluded locations before they were murdered.
The matter was said to have been formally reported by the Councilor representing Creektown Ward 1, Apostle Hon. Ene Itam, alongside the ward chairman, youths and community elders, to the Executive Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Elder Chief Ukpong Etim Asido, prompting swift security intervention.
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The arrest has thrown the community into shock, with residents expressing disbelief that such alleged crimes could have been committed by someone living among them unnoticed.
Meanwhile, members of the 8th Legislative Assembly in Odukpani LGA, including Hon. Effiom Ekene and Hon. Emmanuel of Adibo Efut Ward, reportedly joined efforts that led to the suspect’s capture.
Following the discovery, local youths have intensified bush-combing operations in nearby areas to identify other possible hideouts and uncover additional evidence linked to the alleged killings.
Security agencies said investigations are ongoing and that the suspect’s confessions may assist authorities in tracking down other members of the suspected criminal network.
Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said an official statement on the matter would be released later.
