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A suspected serial killer identified as Akaninyene, believed to be an indigene of Obot Akara, has been arrested in Creektown, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, after he allegedly confessed to the killing of about 30 people and led security operatives to a forest hideout where several shallow graves were discovered.
The suspect was arrested during a coordinated security operation following intelligence reports linking him to the disappearance and murder of a recent victim in the community.
Security operatives, including Nigerian Army and Tactical Special Forces personnel, reportedly tracked him to an isolated hut he allegedly built deep in a forest in Abanyama, Ukim Ita community, Creektown.
According to community sources, the operation involved local youths and elders who led security teams to the scene after growing concerns over repeated cases of missing persons in the area.
Upon arriving at the forest camp, Akaninyene allegedly noticed the presence of the officers and rushed into the hut in an alleged attempt to retrieve a weapon. He was quickly surrounded by the tactical team and arrested as he tried to escape deep into the forest.
A subsequent search of the compound led to a terrifying discovery, as officers discovered approximately eight shallow graves that supposedly contained decomposing human remains buried without heads. Sources at the scene said some graves contained the remains of multiple victims, while plantain crops had been planted at the burial sites in what investigators suspect was an attempt to hide the crimes.
Security sources said the gruesome discovery indicates that the killings may have continued for a long period without detection.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to having killed around 30 people from the community who were previously reported missing. He is also said to have led officers to the graves where several headless bodies were exhumed for further investigation.
Akaninyene also reportedly confessed that the last murder, which ultimately exposed the operation, occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. He revealed that an accomplice assisted him during the attack by helping him restrain the victim, also serving as bait used to lure unsuspecting targets into the forest hideout.
The breakthrough reportedly came after residents heard loud shouts and struggling sounds from the victim during the latest incident, sparking alarm within the community.
The matter was subsequently reported by Councilor representing Creektown Ward 1, the Hon Apostle. Ene Itam, together with the ward chairman, youths and elders of the community, the Executive Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area, Rt. Hon Chief Ukpong Etim Asido, who immediately alerted the security agencies.
The rapid response by military personnel and police tactical teams reportedly led to the arrest of the suspect before he could flee the area.
The discovery has since thrown the community into shock and fear, with many citizens struggling to come to terms with revelations that the suspected killer had lived among them undetected for years.
The leader of the 8th Legislative Assembly of Odukpani LGA, Hon. Effiom Ekene and Hon. Emmanuel of Adibo Efut Ward was also said to have joined efforts to ensure the arrest of the suspect.
Community leaders lauded the quick intervention of security agencies and commended local youths for their vigilance and cooperation during the operation.
After the arrest, young people in the area would have intensified their combing operations in the surrounding woods to discover other possible hiding places and identify further suspects linked to the alleged murders.
Meanwhile, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the case was still being verified, adding that investigations were ongoing to confirm the details of the incident and establish the full extent of the alleged crimes.
Authorities have stepped up their security presence in the area as forensic experts and investigators continue efforts to examine the scene, recover evidence and determine the exact number of victims linked to the suspected serial killings.
