Four women have been arrested and a newborn rescued after security operatives dismantled a child trafficking syndicate in Cross River.
The suspects were said to be running a fake pregnancy and baby sale scheme, deceiving victims and selling infants to buyers.
Swift action by operatives of the Cross River State Homeland Safety & Security Agency (HSSA) led to the dismantling of a suspected child trafficking syndicate operating from Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the state.
Acting on credible intelligence, a team led by Comrade Eyo, HSSA Akpabuyo Unit Commander, intercepted a commercial taxi on 24th June, 2026 at the Maternity Junction axis of Akpabuyo LGA.
Three women, Mrs. Mary Solomon, 42, Patience Akumuruk 46, and Juliet Efut 43 were found in the vehicle with a newborn baby wrapped in a shawl.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects claimed they were transporting the infant to Obubra.
The prime suspect Mrs. Solomon told operatives she had traveled from Obubra to Akpabuyo for delivery and had “put to bed” at a private delivery home in Akwa Ikot Effanga.
Further investigation that same day led to the arrest of Umoh Effiong Edet popularly known as Glory, the operator of the delivery home.
Under questioning, Edet allegedly confessed that the baby was delivered by a young girl who could not care for the child.
Edet reportedly revealed an elaborate scheme described as “implanting,” in which clients like Mrs. Solomon are made to appear pregnant for up to a year.
The process induces visible physical changes, including abdominal swelling, to deceive spouses, family, and neighbors into believing the client is carrying a child.
“During this period, the real mother is housed secretly. When she delivers, the baby is handed over to the client for a fee, while the public believes it was a legitimate birth,” a senior HSSA source familiar with the case disclosed.
The four suspects — Mary Solomon, Patience Akumuruk, Juliet Efut and delivery home operator, Umoh Effiong Edet, have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) through the Operation Okwok office in Calabar for further investigation and prosecution.
HSSA confirmed that more arrests have been made since the 24th June operation as operatives widen the probe into what appears to be a network exploiting vulnerable young mothers.
Investigations are ongoing to identify the biological mother of the rescued infant and other potential victims.
Reacting on Wednesday, July 1, DG South, HSSA, Chief Michael Orok Nsan praised the Akpabuyo unit’s rapid response.
“This operation underscores our mandate to protect the most vulnerable. Homeland Security is not just about borders and forests, it’s about defending human lives in our communities. We commend Comrade Eyo and his team, and we urge citizens to continue using our tip-off channels,” Nsan said.
