NAPTIP director-general, Fatima Waziri-Azi
NAPTIP decries surge in baby factories across Nigeria
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has expressed grave concern over the alarming increase in baby factories across Nigeria.
The agency’s director-general, Fatima Waziri-Azi, highlighted the issue in a statement on Monday.
Ms Waziri-Azi pointed out the growing reports and public outcry regarding the illicit sale of babies and the existence of facilities that trap young girls and recruit men to impregnate them, with the babies being sold after birth.
Her words: ”These operations prey on the desperation and vulnerability of unsuspecting victims, luring them with false promises of financial gain or assurances of care and support.
”One of the most recent incidents took place in Umunkwa village, located in the Umuafai Ndume Ibeku area of Umuahia North Local Government Area in Abia State, where ten victims were rescued from a baby factory.
”The victims, ranging in age from one to 24 years, included seven young girls—six of whom were pregnant—a lactating mother, and two minor boys.
“The baby factory was uncovered by the Department of State Services (DSS), Abia State Command.
A 63-year-old woman was apprehended as the owner of the facility. The suspects and victims have been handed over to the NAPTIP Abia State Liaison Office for further investigation and appropriate action,” Ms Waziri-Azi stated.
She urged parents to remain vigilant to ensure their children do not fall victim to such unscrupulous individuals.
She also called on communities to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and NAPTIP to help combat trafficking effectively.
The director-general encouraged the public to report trafficking cases to NAPTIP by calling the agency’s toll-free number: 0703 0000 203 or short code 627 (available on MTN and Airtel networks only).
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