NAPTIP decries surge in baby factories, sale of children

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has expressed grave concern over the escalating incidents of baby factories and child trafficking across the country.

The Director-General of the agency, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, revealed that there had been a surge in reports and public outcry regarding the sale of babies and the existence of clandestine facilities that exploit vulnerable individuals, including young girls and minors.

Waziri-Azi, in a statement signed by NAPTIP’s Communication Officer, Adekoya Vincent, cited the recent uncovering of a baby factory in Abia State by the Department of State Services (DSS) as one of numerous reports.

She said, “One of the most recent incidents occurred in Umunkwa village, located in the Umuafai Ndume Ibeku area of Umuahia North Local Government, Abia State, where ten victims were rescued from a baby factory,” she said.

“The victims, aged between one and twenty-four years, included seven young girls, six of whom are pregnant, one lactating mother, and two boys who are minors. The factory was operated by a 63-year-old woman, Chinyere Nkwocha, who was apprehended by the DSS. The victims and suspects have been handed over to NAPTIP for further investigation and action.”

While commending the Abia State Command of the DSS for the successful operation, Waziri-Azi admonished members of the public, particularly parents, to be vigilant and ensure that their children do not fall victim to these unscrupulous individuals.

She also emphasized the importance of community collaboration with law enforcement agencies to combat human trafficking and encouraged reporting of any suspected cases to NAPTIP through its toll-free number or short code: 0703 0000 203 or 627 (MTN & AIRTEL only).