CALABAR, Nigeria — Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade, working with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), have arrested seven people in Calabar, Cross River State, over an alleged attempt to sell a day-old baby boy for ₦3 million, authorities said.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation triggered by “detailed and credible intelligence” on a suspected trafficking syndicate operating in Calabar Municipality, the Army said in a statement signed by Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the 13 Brigade headquarters.
According to the statement, troops conducted a coordinated raid on Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital in the Ikot Ekpo area of Calabar, where the suspects were allegedly apprehended during negotiations to sell the newborn. The Army described the alleged act as a “grave violation of the law” and a “serious breach of 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 from Cross River — and Blessing Okon (23) from Akwa Ibom State.
The Army said the suspects, along with “relevant exhibits,” have been handed over to NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution in line with existing laws and procedures. It added that the rescued infant has been placed in the care of “appropriate authorities.”
Reaffirming its stance, the 13 Brigade said it would continue to work with civil authorities and partner agencies to combat trafficking, child abuse and related crimes, urging residents to provide timely and actionable information to security services.
