Troops, NAPTIP bust alleged trafficking syndicate during intelligence-led raid on private hospital in Calabar; rescued infant placed in protective care.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested seven suspected human traffickers over an alleged attempt to sell a one-day-old baby boy for ₦3 million in Cross River State.

The arrests followed a joint, intelligence-driven operation conducted by soldiers of the Headquarters 13 Brigade in collaboration with operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area.

According to the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Yemi Sokoya, the operation was triggered by credible intelligence pointing to the activities of a trafficking syndicate operating within the area. Acting on the information, security operatives raided Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital, located in the Ikot Ekpo area of Calabar, where the suspects were apprehended.

Sokoya disclosed that the suspects were allegedly caught in the process of negotiating the sale of a male infant who was barely a day old. Authorities described the act as a grave criminal offence and a gross violation of the child’s fundamental human rights.

Those arrested were identified as Glory Emmanuel (54), Anthony Bassey (35), Uduak John (27), Deborah Edet (35), Ruth Asoquo (35), and Frada Donald (35), all residents of Cross River State, alongside Blessing Okon (23) from neighbouring Akwa Ibom State.

The suspects, along with exhibits recovered during the operation, have been handed over to NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution in line with existing laws. The rescued baby has been placed under the care of appropriate child protection authorities to ensure the infant’s safety and welfare.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with relevant government agencies to combat human trafficking and related crimes. It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to help dismantle criminal networks across the country.

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