A suspected serial killer identified as Akaninyene, an indigene of Obot Akara, has been arrested in Creektown after security operatives uncovered multiple shallow graves in a forest hideout linked to him.

Akaninyene was apprehended on Thursday following intelligence reports connecting him to the disappearance and murder of a recent victim. Acting on the tip-off, operatives of the Nigerian Army and a tactical special forces squad traced him to an isolated hut he reportedly built inside a forest in Abanyama, Ukim Ita Community, Creektown.

According to reports, the suspect attempted to retrieve a weapon after noticing the arrival of security operatives, community youths, and elders. He reportedly tried to flee into the forest but was quickly surrounded and captured by the tactical team.

A search of the compound led to the shocking discovery of about eight shallow graves, with each grave allegedly containing the remains of several victims buried without their heads. Plantain crops had reportedly been planted over the graves in an attempt to conceal the bodies.

During interrogation, Akaninyene allegedly confessed to killing about 30 people within the community who had previously gone missing without trace. He was also said to have led security operatives to the graves where the decomposing remains were exhumed.

The suspect further confessed that the most recent killing, which reportedly took place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, was carried out with the assistance of a woman alleged to have lured victims and helped overpower them.

The alarm was reportedly raised after residents heard cries and signs of struggle from the latest victim. Community leaders, including the Councillor representing Creektown Ward 1, Apostle Hon. Ene Itam, alongside the Ward Chairman, youths, and elders, escalated the matter to the Executive Chairman of Odukpani LGA, Rt. Hon. Elder Chief Ukpong Etim Asido, who immediately alerted security agencies.

The discovery has thrown the community into shock, with many families now fearing that their missing relatives may have fallen victim to the suspect.

Security agencies say investigations are ongoing and that the suspect’s confessions may help uncover other members of the alleged criminal network. Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.