Troops f0il baby sale, arrest seven suspected human traffickers in Cross River
Troops foil baby sale, arrest seven suspected human traffickers in Cross River
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested seven suspected human traffickers in Cross River state.
Yemi Sokoya, assistant director of army public relations, said in a statement that the troops of the headquarters 13 brigade arrested the suspects during an intelligence-led operation carried out jointly with operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Tuesday in Calabar Municipality LGA.
Sokoya said the operation followed “detailed and credible intelligence” on the activities of a suspected human trafficking syndicate operating within the area.
“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops carried out a coordinated raid on Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital, located in the Ikot Ekpo general area of Calabar Municipality,” the statement reads.
“During the raid, the suspects were apprehended while negotiations were ongoing to sell a day-old baby boy for the sum of three million naira (N3,000,000), an act which constitutes a grave violation of the law and a serious breach of fundamental human rights.”
He listed those arrested to include Glory Emmanuel (54), Anthony Bassey (35), Uduak John (27), Deborah Edet (35), Ruth Asoquo (35), and Frada Donald (35), all from Cross River state, as well as Blessing Okon (23) from Akwa Ibom state.
Sokoya said following their arrest, the suspects and “relevant exhibits” were handed over to NAPTIP officials for further investigation and prosecution, in line with existing laws.
He added that the rescued infant has also been placed under the care of appropriate authorities.
“The Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army reiterates its unwavering 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,” Sokoya said.
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue to support security agencies by providing timely, credible, and actionable information to enhance the safety and security of lives and property.”
