Cross-Border Mystery Deepens as Police Find Bodies of Missing Cameroonian Women in Anambra River

The investigation into the disappearance of three Cameroonian women in Anambra State took a devastating turn on Saturday, November 29, 2025, as Police operatives recovered two decomposing bodies from the Omambala River, intensifying concerns over cross-border criminal activities targeting Foreign Nationals in Nigeria.

The women, who reportedly travelled from Cameroon for personal engagements, had been declared missing under unclear circumstances, prompting an extensive search operation by Security Agencies. Their disappearance had sparked anxiety both within Local Communities and among Cameroonian Nationals living in Nigeria.

According to a statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, the remains were recovered during a coordinated search conducted on the evening of November 28 by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu. The exercise involved professional river divers and local volunteers who combed the river in Anambra West Local Government Area.

Family members were invited to the scene and were able to identify the bodies as those of Mrs. Bognou Alice and Miss Sandra, two of the three missing Cameroonian women. The corpses have since been deposited at a mortuary for autopsy and additional investigative procedures.

Authorities had earlier arrested two suspects: Nonso Augustine Akpeh (37) and Kingsley Akpeh (44), both of whom have been assisting investigators. A third suspect, Uchenna Nicholas Mmadu, remains on the run, prompting intensified manhunt directives from the State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu.

Commissioner Orutugu extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and assured that the Police would sustain the search for the remaining missing victim while working tirelessly to ensure all perpetrators face the full weight of the law. He further emphasized that the incident highlights the need for reinforced security measures along vulnerable waterways and border-linked routes often exploited by criminals.

The tragic discovery has heightened concerns about the safety of foreign visitors and the activities of criminal networks in the region. Security experts say the incident underscores gaps in surveillance and coordination, urging stronger intelligence sharing between Nigerian authorities and neighbouring countries.

While the recovery of the two bodies brings partial closure to the grieving families, the fate of the third Cameroonian woman remains unknown. Police authorities say the investigation remains active, with renewed efforts underway to unravel the full circumstances behind the tragic abductions.