The Nigerian Army has arrested seven suspected human traffickers in a joint intelligence-driven operation in Cross River State, rescuing a one-day-old baby who was allegedly being sold for ₦3 million.

The operation was executed by troops from Headquarters 13 Brigade working alongside operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area.

Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, disclosed that the raid was conducted following credible intelligence received about the activities of a trafficking syndicate operating within the state. Based on this information, security forces stormed Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital located in the Ikot Ekpo area of Calabar, where the suspects were apprehended.

According to authorities, the suspects were caught in the act while negotiating the sale of the newborn baby boy. Officials have described the incident as a grave violation of both the law and fundamental human rights.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Glory Emmanuel, 54; Anthony Bassey, 35; Uduak John, 27; Deborah Edet, 35; Ruth Asoquo, 35; and Frada Donald, 35—all residents of Cross River State—as well as Blessing Okon, 23, from neighboring Akwa Ibom State.

All seven suspects, along with exhibits recovered during the operation, have been transferred to NAPTIP custody for further investigation and eventual prosecution. The rescued infant has been placed under the care of appropriate child protection authorities.

The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with relevant agencies in the fight against human trafficking across the country. The military also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies to help combat such heinous crimes.