In a coordinated strike against organised crime, the Headquarters 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working alongside the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), successfully apprehended seven suspected human traffickers in the Calabar Municipality Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The operation, which took place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, was the result of a high-stakes intelligence-led mission. Acting on credible reports regarding a trafficking syndicate operating in the region, troops executed a swift raid on the Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital situated in the Ikot Ekpo area.
Military officials confirmed that the suspects were caught in the middle of a transaction to sell a day-old baby boy. The infant was reportedly being negotiated for the sum of ₦3,000,000. Authorities have described the act as a “grave violation of the law” and a profound breach of fundamental human rights.
Among those taken into custody are 54-year-old Mrs. Glory Emmanuel, Mr. Anthony Bassey, Miss Uduak John, Mrs. Deborah Edet, Mrs. Ruth Asoquo, and Mrs. Frada Donald, all of whom hail from Cross River State. A seventh suspect, 23-year-old Miss Blessing Okon from Akwa Ibom State, was also arrested during the raid.
Following the successful intervention, the suspects and recovered evidence were handed over to NAPTIP for formal investigation and prosecution. The rescued newborn has been placed under the protection of the appropriate welfare authorities to ensure his safety.
Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 13 Brigade, emphasised that the Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with civil agencies to eradicate human trafficking and child abuse.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and continue providing security forces with the actionable information necessary to maintain public safety.
