The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has expressed deep concern over the recent wide spread of baby factories nationwide.
Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi, the agency’s Director-General, conveyed this worry in a statement released to the press in Abuja on Monday.
Waziri-Azi highlighted the disturbing trend of reports and public outcry regarding the sale of infants and the presence of establishments specializing in trapping young girls and enlisting men to impregnate them, with the subsequent sale of the babies.
She noted these facilities operate covertly, exploiting the desperation and vulnerability of unsuspecting victims, often enticing them with promises of financial gain or false assurances of care and support.
She pointed to a recent incident in Umunkwa village, Umuafai Ndume Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, where 10 individuals were rescued from a baby factory.
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Among the victims, aged between one and 24, were seven young girls, six of whom were pregnant, one nursing mother, and two minor boys.
Waziri-Azi further stated that a 63-year-old woman was apprehended as the owner of the baby factory.
She said that both the suspects and the victims had been handed over to the NAPTIP Abia State Liaison Office for further investigation and appropriate action.
“The baby factory was uncovered by the Department of State Services (DSS), Abia State Command
“We commended the Abia State Command of DSS for the successful operation,” she said.
The director-general urged the public, particularly parents, to be vigilant and ensure that their wards do not fall victim to unscrupulous individuals.
She also enjoined communities to continue collaborating with law enforcement agencies and NAPTIP to help combat trafficking.
Waziri-Azi further called on the public to report trafficking cases to NAPTIP by promptly calling the agency toll-free number: 0703 0000 203 or short code 627 (MTN and Airtel only).
