Troops of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army have arrested seven suspected human traffickers during an intelligence-led operation in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The Brigade’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Major Yemi Shokoya, who disclosed this late Wednesday, said the operation which led to the arrest was in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and was carried out on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, following credible and detailed intelligence on the activities of a suspected human trafficking syndicate operating within the area.
Acting swiftly on received intelligence, troops of the Brigade conducted a coordinated raid on Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital, located in the Ikot Ekpo general area of Calabar Municipality.
During the raid, the suspects were apprehended while allegedly negotiating the sale of a day-old baby boy for the sum of Three Million Naira (₦3,000,000). The act constitutes a grave violation of the law and a serious infringement on fundamental human rights.
Those arrested include 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.
Following their arrest, the suspects, along with relevant exhibits, were handed over to officials of NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws and established procedures. The rescued infant has been placed in the care of appropriate authorities.
The Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, while reaffirming its unwavering commitment to working closely with civil authorities and relevant agencies to combat human trafficking, child abuse, and other criminal activities within its area of responsibility, encouraged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely, credible, and actionable information to enhance the safety and security of lives and property.
