Security Operatives Bust Alleged Baby-Trafficking Syndicate in Cross River, Rescue Newborn Sold for ₦3 Million

A suspected child-trafficking ring operating under the guise of a fake pregnancy scheme has been uncovered in Cross River State, with security operatives rescuing a newborn allegedly sold for ₦3 million during a coordinated operation.

The raid, carried out by operatives of the Cross River State Homeland Safety and Security Agency (HSSA), targeted an alleged syndicate in Akpabuyo Local Government Area that investigators say deceived clients into believing they had become pregnant before handing them trafficked babies.

Authorities arrested four suspects identified as Mary Solomon, 42; Patience Akumuruk, 46; Juliet Efut, 43; and Umoh Effiong Edet, also known as “Glory,” who allegedly operated a delivery home linked to the scheme. The arrests were made on June 24 after HSSA operatives, led by the agency’s Akpabuyo Unit Commander, Comrade Eyo, intercepted a commercial taxi transporting the infant near the Maternity Junction area.

Preliminary investigations alleged that the syndicate operated what investigators described as an “implanting” scheme. Under the arrangement, women were allegedly made to pretend they were pregnant for several months through induced physical changes, while a different pregnant woman was secretly sheltered until childbirth.

Investigators alleged that after delivery, the newborn would be handed over to the client in exchange for a fee, creating the impression that the child had been biologically delivered by the client.

Authorities said the rescued infant had allegedly been sold for ₦3 million, while the identity of the baby’s biological mother has yet to be established.

The suspects have been transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) through its Operation Okwok office in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution.

A senior NAPTIP official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that one of the arrested suspects, Mary Solomon, may herself have been a victim of what was described as a local IVF scam allegedly operated through illegal birth homes in Akpabuyo.

“One of the suspects, who is actually a victim, thought she was legitimately giving birth biologically, and she paid three million naira, not knowing it was just the usual baby scam,” the official said.

The official added that investigators believe the operation extends beyond those already arrested, with efforts ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the alleged trafficking network.