Nigeria: More than 100 bodies discovered in suspected mass ‘organ-harvesting’ operation

WARNING: Graphic

More than 100 mutilated, decomposing corpses have been discovered in a private mortuary sparking fears of an illegal organ harvesting operation.

As part of efforts to curb ongoing kidnappings and violent crime, Nigerian police raided the hideouts of suspected kidnappers in the Umuhu Autonomous Community in Ngor-Okpala on December 6.

The crackdown came on the back of credible intelligence linked to alleged criminal kingpin, Stanley Morocco Oparaugo, police say.

“A hotel and a private mortuary. . .allegedly used by kidnappers and violent criminals, were inspected,” a statement by Imo State Police command DSP Henry Okoye read.

“At the mortuary, decomposed and mutilated corpses were discovered in unhygienic conditions, raising suspicions of illegal organ-harvesting activities.

“Following these discoveries, both the hotel and mortuary were sealed on the directive of the State Government.”

A manhunt is now underway for Mr Oparaugo, who owned the mortuary.

“The suspect’s residence was also searched, and crucial exhibits were recovered. Forensic experts documented and secured evidence,” DSP Okoye said.

“The Commissioner of Police assured the public that all accomplices would be identified and brought to justice.”

Nigeria has been plagued by an escalating crime wave, with kidnapping gangs expanding into ritual killings and suspected organ-trafficking rings.

In March last year, Professor Jacob Awobusiyi, President of the Transplant Association of Nigeria, told Nigerian newspaper Punch that the illegal trade in human organs was tarnishing the country’s reputation internationally.

“If you look at the donors that are being trafficked, you find out that either they are minors or people who are financially disadvantaged,” he said.

“This is what the traffickers capitalise on and promise them what will not even be sufficient to take care of themselves in terms of basic care and they just dump these people after the operation.”

Nigeria’s escalating crime wave

In late November there were two mass school abductions, the first 25 students from Maga town in Kebbi state and the second of 303 children and 12 teachers from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri.

One hundred of the children taken from St Mary’s have now been released, 50 escaped hours after being captured and at least 150 are still being held, including the teachers.

A church in the southern Kwara state was also attacked around the same time, with the 38 worshippers abducted in that attack since freed.

It is not known if ransoms were paid for their release or that of the St Mary’s students.

Christians face ‘existential threat’

In November, US President Donald Trump declared Christianity was facing an “existential threat” in Nigeria and ordered the Pentagon to plan for potential military action there.

He accused the government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Mr Trump posted on social media.

“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!”