The Nigerian Army has arrested seven suspected human traffickers in Calabar, Cross River State, following actionable intelligence that exposed an alleged attempt to sell a newborn baby.
The arrests were carried out by troops of the Headquarters, 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP. The operation was confirmed in an official statement issued to journalists by the Assistant Director, 13 Brigade Army Public Relations, Major Yemi Sokoya.
According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended while negotiating the sale of a day-old baby boy for the sum of ₦3 million. The transaction was reportedly taking place at Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital, located in the Ikot Ekpo area of Calabar Municipality.
Read also:
- INEC fix February 26 for Bye-election in Ondo
- LAWMA presents cheques to injured sanitation workers, families of deceased staff
- Kwibuka T20: Nigeria lose to Kenya
Those arrested were identified as Mrs Glory Emmanuel, aged 54, Mr Anthony Bassey, 35, Miss Uduak John, 27, Mrs Deborah Edet, 35, Mrs Ruth Asuquo, 35, and Mrs Frada Donald, 35. The suspects are said to be from Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
The Nigerian Army disclosed that all the suspects have been handed over to NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution in line with existing laws on human trafficking. The rescued baby has also been transferred to the appropriate authorities to ensure proper care and protection.
Major Sokoya reaffirmed the commitment of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army to combating human trafficking and other related crimes. He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of preventing criminal activities.
The arrest shows renewed efforts by security agencies to clamp down on child trafficking networks in southern Nigeria, amid growing concerns over the exploitation of vulnerable persons.
