Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Calabar, Nigeria — Authorities in Cross River State have taken decisive action against unlicensed traditional medicine practitioners following a sustained campaign by health professionals and regulatory bodies to curb illegal medical practices that pose risks to public health.
On Monday, 22 December 2025, police and health enforcement officers arrested 10 unlicensed traditional medicine vendors operating in Calabar, the state capital, charging them to court on allegations of practising without licences and marketing unverified products. The arrests came after a formal petition by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Cross River State Branch, which raised alarms about the activities of these practitioners and the potential harm their products and services could inflict on unsuspecting residents.
Healthcare professionals had expressed growing concern over gatherings described as “trado‑medical trade fairs” that drew large numbers of people to purchase traditional remedies claiming to cure a range of ailments without scientific or regulatory validation. In its communication to the Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, and other senior officials, the NMA warned that the illegal practices exposed vulnerable populations to unsafe concoctions and unverified health claims, stressing the absence of approvals from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The arrests followed investigations and enforcement efforts aimed at stamping out quackery and protecting public health. After the NMA’s petition, state health and law enforcement agencies intensified surveillance of suspected illegal practitioners, resulting in the apprehension of the 10 individuals now facing prosecution for contravening health regulations.
In a joint statement issued in Calabar, NMA officials lauded the swift response from the state government and security agencies. Dr. Ezoke Epoke, Chairman of NMA Cross River State Branch, and Dr. Akanimo Ekeruke, the association’s Secretary, emphasised that the arrests reflect a “proactive step and commitment to safeguarding the health and well‑being of residents” against potentially harmful traditional medical practices.
The NMA highlighted that many unlicensed practitioners often market their products with exaggerated or false therapeutic claims, enticing the public without providing evidence of safety or efficacy. Such practices, the association noted, can lead to adverse health outcomes, including delayed treatment of serious illnesses, harmful drug interactions, and toxic reactions stemming from unregulated ingredients.
Governor Otu’s administration, which has been sensitive to public health concerns, took the petition seriously and directed relevant enforcement agencies to act. Officials indicated that the crackdown is part of broader efforts to reinforce healthcare standards in the state and reduce the influence of illegal practitioners who operate outside the jurisdiction of recognised regulatory authorities.
Public health advocates have welcomed the arrests as a necessary measure to protect communities, especially in a region where traditional medicine forms an important part of cultural heritage. While traditional healing is widely practiced across Nigeria and can offer supportive therapies when properly regulated, experts stress that public safety and scientific oversight are essential to ensure treatments do not cause harm or replace proven medical interventions.
The Cross River State government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with professional associations, regulatory bodies and security agencies to enforce health standards and curb illegal medical activities. Officials noted that those apprehended will face prosecution, and ongoing monitoring efforts will continue to identify and shut down other unlicensed operations that defy legal and ethical requirements.
In addition to legal penalties, authorities are encouraging traditional medicine vendors to formalise their practices by obtaining proper licences and approvals from relevant regulatory institutions such as NAFDAC and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria where applicable. These steps are designed to strike a balance between preserving legitimate traditional healing practices and ensuring that public health is not compromised by unsafe or unregulated services.
The crackdown in Cross River follows a series of similar enforcement actions in the state over the years, targeting fake medical practitioners and unregistered clinics. Previously, health task forces and police have shut down illegal facilities and prosecuted individuals falsely claiming medical qualifications. These sustained efforts reflect an ongoing commitment by state authorities to protect citizens from health risks associated with medical quackery.
For residents of Cross River State, the recent arrests serve as a reminder of both the dangers posed by unlicensed medical practice and the importance of seeking care from qualified professionals. As authorities prepare for prosecution of the suspects, healthcare advocates continue to call for greater public awareness about the risks of patronising illegal practitioners and the benefits of regulated, evidence‑based healthcare services.
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