… during a coordinated raid on Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital in the Ikot Ekpo area of Calabar Municipality, where they were allegedly negotiating the sale of a day-old baby boy for ₦3 million.
By TheInvestigator
The Nigerian Army has arrested seven suspected human traffickers in Calabar, Cross River State, during a joint intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of the Headquarters 13 Brigade in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
The suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, January 28, 2026, during a coordinated raid on Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital in the Ikot Ekpo area of Calabar Municipality, where they were allegedly negotiating the sale of a day-old baby boy for ₦3 million. The operation followed what the Army described as “detailed and credible intelligence” on the activities of a human trafficking syndicate operating within the area.
Confirming the arrest, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, said the action demonstrated the Army’s resolve to protect vulnerable persons and uphold human rights. “The suspects were arrested in the process of attempting to sell a newborn baby, an act that constitutes a grave violation of the law and a serious breach of fundamental human rights,” Sokoya stated.
He listed the suspects as 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. According to him, the suspects, along with relevant exhibits, have been handed over to NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution, while the rescued infant has been placed under the care of appropriate authorities.
Major Sokoya reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to working with civil authorities to combat human trafficking and related crimes, urging the public to support security agencies. “Members of the public are encouraged to continue to provide timely, credible and actionable information to enhance the safety and security of lives and property,” he said.
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