By Ofem John, JKNewsMedia Intern
SEVEN SUSPECTED human traffickers have been arrested in Calabar, Cross River State, during an intelligence led operation carried out by troops of Headquarters 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Disclosing this development in a statement signed by Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, January 28, 2026, in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area following credible intelligence on the activities of a trafficking syndicate operating within the area.
He noted that acting on the intelligence, the troops conducted a coordinated raid on Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital in the Ikot Ekpo area of Calabar Municipality, where the suspects were allegedly negotiating to sell a day-old baby boy for N3,000,000.
Those arrested are 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.
The suspects, alongside relevant exhibits recovered during the operation, were handed over to officials of NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.
The rescued infant has been placed under the care of appropriate authorities.
Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to working in synergy with civil authorities and relevant agencies to combat human trafficking, child abuse and other criminal activities within its area of responsibility.
The Army urged members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to enhance the safety and security of lives and property.
