A suspected serial ki!ller identified as Akaninyene, has been arrested in Cross River State following intelligence that linked him to the disappearance and m8rder of a recent victim.
Security operatives, acting on a tip off tracked him to an isolated hut he built inside a forest in Abanyama, Ukim Ita Community, Creektown of Odukpani Local Government Area.
According to CrossRiverWatch, on arrival, men of the Nigerian Army and a tactical special forces squad, led by community youths and elders, attempted to secure the area.
Upon noticing the invasion, Akaninyene ran into the hut to retrieve a weapon, but was quickly surrounded.
He tried to escape into the forest but was apprehended by the tactical team.
A search of his hideout revealed multiple shallow graves numbering 8, each containing the remains of about 5 victims buried without their heads.
Plantain crops had been planted over the graves to conceal them.
The discovery suggests the k!llings may have been ongoing for some time.
During interrogation, Akaninyene allegedly confessed to k!lling of about 30 people in the community who had gone missing without trace.
He was forced to lead operatives to the graves, where bodies without heads were exhumed.
He confessed that the last k!lling, which triggered his arrest, occurred on Tuesday, 26th May 2026.
He claimed he carried it out with the help of a lady who allegedly held the victim’s head.
According to him, the lady lures victims to their d3aths, describing their method of operation.
The alarm bells were first rung after community members heard a struggle and cries from the last victim.
The Councilor representing Creektown Ward 1, Apostle Hon. Ene Itam, alongside the Ward Chairman, youths, and elders, reported the case of missing persons to the Executive Chairman of Odukpani LGA, Rt. Hon. Elder Chief Ukpong Etim Asido.
The security operatives were alerted and began operation.
Residents say the discovery shocked the entire community as families realized the perpetrator lived among them.
The Leader of the 8th Legislative Assembly in Odukpani LGA, Hon. Effiom Ekene, and Hon. Emmanuel of Adibo Efut Ward also joined efforts to ensure Akaninyene was captured.
Following the arrest, community youths have intensified bush-combing operations to uncover other possible hideouts linked to similar crimes.
Security agencies say Akaninyene’s confessions are expected to help in tracking and arresting others involved in the same criminal network.
Residents of Cross River State are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities immediately.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Cross River State Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the incident, adding that a statement will be issued later.
