By Abasi Ita
Calabar
Troops of the Nigerian Army, working in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons NAPTIP, have arrested seven suspected members of a human trafficking syndicate over an attempt to sell a day old baby in Calabar, Cross River State.
The arrests were made during an intelligence driven operation by personnel of the Headquarters 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, within Calabar Municipality Local Government Area.
Army sources said the operation followed credible information on the activities of a trafficking network operating in the area. Acting on the intelligence, the troops carried out a coordinated raid on Glorious Amazing Grace Hospital, located at the Ikot Ekpo axis of the state capital.
During the operation, the suspects were reportedly caught while negotiating the sale of a day old male child for the sum of three million naira.
Confirming the development in a statement, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, described the act as a serious crime and a gross violation of the rights of the child.
He stated that the suspects were apprehended at the point of concluding negotiations to sell the newborn, adding that the successful operation was the result of detailed and actionable intelligence.
Those arrested were identified as Glory Emmanuel, 54, Anthony Bassey, 35, Uduak John, 27, Deborah Edet, 35, Ruth Asoquo, 35, and Frada Donald, 35, all from Cross River State, alongside Blessing Okon, 23, from Akwa Ibom State.
Major Sokoya disclosed that the suspects and exhibits recovered during the operation had been handed over to NAPTIP for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.
He further revealed that the rescued baby has been placed in the custody of relevant authorities for proper care and protection.
The Army spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to partnering with relevant agencies to curb human trafficking, child abuse and other forms of criminality, and called on the public to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information.