The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons NAPTIP, has arrested seven persons over their alleged involvement in an attempt to sell a day-old baby in Calabar, Cross River State.

The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence led operation carried out by troops of the Headquarters 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in the state capital.

According to the Army, the operation was triggered by credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected human trafficking network operating within the area. Acting on the information, troops conducted a coordinated raid on Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital in the Ikot Ekpo axis of Calabar.

The Army disclosed that the suspects were arrested while negotiating the sale of a day-old baby boy for the sum of three million naira.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, the Army described the act as a grave violation of the law and a serious breach of fundamental human rights.

“The suspects were apprehended during an ongoing negotiation to sell a day-old baby boy for the sum of three million naira. The operation followed detailed and credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected human trafficking syndicate operating within Calabar Municipality,” the statement said.

Those 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.

The statement added that the suspects, along with relevant exhibits, had been handed over to officials of NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution in line with existing laws and procedures.

It also disclosed that the rescued infant has been placed under the care of appropriate authorities.

Major Sokoya reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to working with civil authorities and relevant agencies to combat human trafficking, child abuse and other criminal activities, while urging members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies. (Vanguard)