Cross River: Fake Pregnancy, Baby Sale Syndicate Busted; Newborn Rescued, Four Arrested

Operatives of the Cross River State Homeland Safety & Security Agency (HSSA) have successfully dismantled a suspected child trafficking ring operating within the Akpabuyo Local Government Area, leading to the rescue of a newborn infant. The breakthrough occurred following reliable intelligence that guided a team led by Comrade Eyo, the HSSA Akpabuyo Unit Commander. On June 24, 2026, the team intercepted a commercial taxi at the Maternity Junction in Akpabuyo LGA. Inside the vehicle, three women—Mrs. Mary Solomon (42), Patience Akumuruk (46), and Juliet Efut (43)—were discovered with a newborn baby, carefully wrapped in a shawl.

During initial questioning, the suspects claimed they were transporting the baby to Obubra. Mrs. Solomon, identified as the primary suspect, informed the operatives that she had traveled from Obubra to Akpabuyo to give birth, stating the delivery took place at a private facility in Akwa Ikot Effanga. Further investigations conducted on the same day led to the apprehension of Umoh Effiong Edet, also known as Glory, who managed the aforementioned delivery home.

Under interrogation, Edet reportedly confessed that the baby had been delivered by a young girl who was unable to care for the child. Edet allegedly detailed an elaborate operation referred to as "implanting," a scheme designed to make clients, such as Mrs. Solomon, appear pregnant for up to a year. This process involved inducing noticeable physical changes, including abdominal swelling, to mislead spouses, family members, and neighbors into believing the client was genuinely expecting.

A senior HSSA source involved in the case revealed the mechanics of the scheme: “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.”

The four individuals—Mary Solomon, Patience Akumuruk, Juliet Efut, and Umoh Effiong Edet, the delivery home operator—have since been transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) through its Operation Okwok office in Calabar. NAPTIP will now handle further investigation and potential prosecution. HSSA confirmed that additional arrests have been made since the June 24 operation as the probe expands into what appears to be a larger network preying on vulnerable young mothers. Efforts are ongoing to identify the biological mother of the rescued infant and other potential victims.

Chief Michael Orok Nsan, DG South for HSSA, commented on the operation on Wednesday, July 1, commending the Akpabuyo unit’s prompt action. Nsan stated, “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,” highlighting the agency's commitment to community safety.