The headquarters 13 brigade of the Nigerian army, working alongside the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), on Wednesday, January 28, arrested seven human traffickers in Calabar, Cross River state.
Acting on credible intelligence regarding a trafficking syndicate, troops raided the Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital located in Ikot Ekpo general area of Calabar municipality.
According to the brigade’s spokesperson, Yemi Sokoya, the suspects were apprehended while negotiating the sale of a one-day-old baby boy for ₦3 million, an act described as a serious violation of Nigerian law and fundamental human rights.
Those arrested were identified as 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 were handed over to NAPTIP officials for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
The rescued baby has been placed under the care of the appropriate authorities.
The headquarters 13 brigade reaffirmed its commitment to working with civil authorities and relevant agencies to curb human trafficking, child abuse, and other criminal activities within its area of responsibility.
The military also urged members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to enhance public safety.
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