Army arrests seven suspects over alleged attempt to sell one-day-old baby for ₦3m in Cross River

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested seven suspected human traff+ckers during a joint intelligence-led operation in Cross River State. The operation was carried out by troops of Headquarters 13 Brigade in collaboration with operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traff+cking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Calabar Municipality LGA.

According to Yemi Sokoya, assistant director of army public relations, the raid followed credible intelligence on the activities of a tr#fficking syndicate operating in the area. Acting on the information, security operatives stormed Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital in the Ikot Ekpo area of Calabar, where the suspects were apprehended.

The suspects were allegedly caught while negotiating the sale of a day-old baby boy for ₦3 million, an act authorities described as a serious violation of the law and fundamental human rights. Those arrested include Glory Emmanuel (54), Anthony Bassey (35), Uduak John (27), Deborah Edet (35), Ruth Asoquo (35), Frada Donald (35), all from Cross River State, and Blessing Okon (23) from Akwa Ibom State.

The suspects and recovered exhibits have been handed over to NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution. The rescued infant has been placed in the care of appropriate authorities. The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant agencies to tackle human traff+cking and urged the public to provide credible information to security agencies.