The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has rescued a day-old baby and arrested seven individuals over an attempted sale in Calabar, Cross River State.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation by troops of the Headquarters 13 Brigade, targeting a suspected human trafficking network in the state capital.
The operation took place at Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital in the Ikot Ekpo area, where the suspects were negotiating the sale of the newborn boy for three million naira.
In a statement, Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, described the act as a serious violation of the law and a breach of human right.
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“The suspects were apprehended during an ongoing negotiation to sell a day-old baby. The operation followed credible intelligence on a human trafficking syndicate operating in Calabar Municipality,” he said.
Those arrested include Mrs. Glory Emmanuel (54), Mr. Anthony Bassey (35), Miss Uduak John (27), Mrs. Deborah Edet (35), Mrs. Ruth Asoquo (35), Mrs. Frada Donald (35) — all from Cross River State — and Miss Blessing Okon (23) from Akwa Ibom State.
The rescued infant has been placed under proper care, while the suspects and all relevant evidence have been handed over to NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution under existing laws.
Major Sokoya reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to combating human trafficking, child abuse, and other criminal activities in collaboration with civil authorities.
He also urged the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.