Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Troops of the Headquarters 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), have arrested seven suspected members of a human trafficking syndicate in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area of Cross River State, following an intelligence-led operation that led to the rescue of a newborn baby.
The operation was carried out on Tuesday, 28 January 2026, after troops of the brigade received what military authorities described as detailed and credible intelligence indicating the presence and activities of a suspected human trafficking network operating within Calabar metropolis. Acting on the information, soldiers launched a coordinated raid on Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital, located in the Ikot Ekpo general area of the city.
According to the Nigerian Army, the suspects were apprehended during an ongoing negotiation to sell a day-old baby boy for the sum of ₦3 million, an act authorities described as a grave criminal offence and a serious violation of fundamental human rights. Security personnel reportedly intervened before the transaction could be completed, leading to the immediate arrest of those involved.
The suspects arrested were identified as Mrs Glory Emmanuel (54), Mr Anthony Bassey (35), Miss Uduak John (27), Mrs Deborah Edet (35), Mrs Ruth Asoquo (35), and Mrs Frada Donald (35), all from Cross River State, as well as Miss Blessing Okon (23) from Akwa Ibom State. Military sources said preliminary findings suggest the individuals may be part of an organised network engaged in the illegal sale and trafficking of infants.
Following their arrest, the suspects, together with relevant exhibits recovered during the operation, were formally handed over to NAPTIP officials for further investigation and prosecution in line with existing laws and established procedures. Authorities confirmed that the rescued infant has been placed in the care of appropriate government agencies to ensure his safety and welfare while investigations continue.
Human trafficking, particularly involving children, remains a significant concern in Nigeria, with law enforcement and rights groups warning that illegal baby-selling syndicates often exploit poverty, weak oversight of private health facilities, and social stigma surrounding unplanned pregnancies. NAPTIP has repeatedly cautioned that such crimes not only violate national laws but also international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.
In a statement issued after the operation, the Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with civil authorities and relevant agencies to combat human trafficking, child abuse, and other forms of organised crime within its area of responsibility. The army emphasised that intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration remain critical tools in dismantling criminal networks.
Members of the public were also urged to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely, credible, and actionable information that could help prevent crimes and enhance the protection of lives and property across Cross River State and beyond. Military authorities stressed that community cooperation is essential in identifying suspicious activities, particularly those involving vulnerable groups such as women and children.
The arrest and rescue operation adds to a growing number of recent enforcement actions targeting human trafficking rings across southern Nigeria, as authorities intensify efforts to curb the practice and bring perpetrators to justice.
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