The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) expressed deep concern over the recent surge in baby factories across the country.
Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi, the Director-General of the agency, conveyed this concern in a statement released to the press in Abuja on Monday.
According to Waziri-Azi, there has been a disturbing increase in reports and public outcry regarding the operation of facilities dedicated to exploiting young girls and recruiting men to impregnate them, followed by the sale of babies after birth.
She highlighted that these baby factories 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.
Waziri-Azi cited a recent incident in Umunkwa village, Umuafai Ndume Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, where 10 victims were rescued from a baby factory.
Among the rescued victims were seven young girls, six of whom were pregnant, one lactating mother, and two minor boys, aged between one and 24 years old.
“The baby factory was uncovered by the Department of State Services (DSS), Abia State Command,” she said.
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.
“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 also 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).
