Eburutu Barracks: Soldiers Suspend Forced Labour Practice, Night Arrests After CrossRiverWatch Investigation

By CrossRiverWatch Admin

Barely two months after an investigative report by CrossRiverWatch exposing a pattern of forced labour imposed on civilian residents within the Mammy Market area of Eburutu Barracks, Calabar, Cross River State, military authorities have discontinued the practice and suspended night-time arrests.

The earlier report detailed how residents were compelled to participate in a system locally referred to as “fatigue,” which required civilians to carry out routine labour within the barracks under enforcement by soldiers. The arrangement had drawn criticism for alleged human rights violations and sparked public concern over the treatment of non-military residents. Though no official response or statement on the forced labour system has been issued by the military but developments on the ground suggest a quiet policy shift.

A follow-up visit by CrossRiverWatch confirmed a significant change in the situation. Residents said that since February 2026, night raids and arrests of alleged defaulters have drastically reduced, bringing a sense of calm to the community.

“We don’t know what happened, but I’m surprised that everywhere has been calm at night. There is no more forceful dragging of ‘fatigue’ defaulters to the guardroom,” a resident said.

Corroborating the development, a resident identified as Mrs. Favour disclosed that the changes followed a meeting convened by the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) on March 24, 2026, at the Quarter Guard field inside the barracks.

READ: Inside Eburutu Barracks: The Hidden System Of Forced Labour On Civilians In Cross River

“On that day, we were not asked to work for the army. Instead, we were addressed and warned. We were informed that ‘fatigue’ had been dropped and that residents would only participate in the statewide sanitation exercise on the last Saturday of every month. I was happy,” she said.

Another resident explained that while the compulsory labour system has been abolished, residents are now expected to maintain environmental cleanliness within the community. This includes routine sanitation coordinated by civilian leaders on the first Saturday of each month, as well as general sanitation exercises on the last Saturdays.

CrossRiverWatch observed on two separate occasions that the new sanitation structure is being enforced without the direct involvement of military personnel, with community leaders taking responsibility for compliance.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that discussions between residents and military representatives alongside a legal practitioner helped address concerns raised in a petition alleging child labour and other abuses.

“They have stopped arresting civilians and detaining people in the guardroom. Now, if you fail to keep your environment clean, we as community leaders will take action, including eviction from the Mammy Market area,” he said.

Despite ongoing challenges such as the lack of electricity in the community, residents have welcomed the new arrangement as a major improvement.

“I like this new decision. Now I can sleep peacefully at night,” another resident said.

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Sources also revealed that during the meeting, the RSM warned against indecent dressing and drug abuse, stating that violators risk expulsion from the community.

However, residents noted that the monthly levy of ₦1,000 per household remains in place, with no official clarification yet on its status.

While concerns persist, many residents see the suspension of forced labour and night arrests as a critical step toward restoring normalcy and protecting civilian rights within the barracks community.

The Nigeria military are still yet to issue an official response to the report.