The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) has revealed that they arrested a woman accused of selling over 120 children, and she is currently facing prosecution.
This disclosure was made during the appearance of Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi, the director-general of NAPTIP, before the Senate Committee on Special Duties.
Prof Fatima shared that the agency, in its two-decade existence, lacks a tracking machine.
She mentioned ongoing investigations into fake orphanages and individuals using forged documents to operate organizations involved in child trafficking.
According to her, young girls are often lured into situations resembling “baby-making machines,” where they are housed and exploited by multiple men.
NAPTIP, with 32 offices nationwide, is prosecuting cases related to child trafficking. However, it faces challenges in states like Kogi, Niger, and Bauchi where it doesn’t have offices.
Fatima highlighted the agency’s efforts in supporting victims by providing shelter, food, clothing, family tracing, and repatriation. She mentioned that over 20,200 victims have received support, with the highest number rescued in Benue.
The director-general emphasized the prevalence of human trafficking in states like Lagos, Katsina, Kano, and Abuja, with Benue having the highest number of rescued victims.
NAPTIP has achieved 639 convictions in two decades, and in 2021 alone, they received 1,232 human trafficking complaints.
Fatima underscored the challenges faced by the agency, relying on donors for funding. Despite existing for 20 years, NAPTIP lacks a tracking device and depends on Interpol and the Department of State Services (DSS) for tracking machines.
Addressing the issue of baby factories, Fatima revealed collaborative efforts with the Nigerian Army and Navy to combat this pervasive problem.
She cited instances in Anambra and Rivers State where joint operations were conducted, leading to arrests. The agency is currently prosecuting a woman accused of selling around 140 children in two years.
Fatima shared harrowing stories of victims, including a young boy named Daniel, whose identity was disputed by two families, necessitating a DNA test.
The agency also deals with cases involving fake orphanages and individuals deceiving prospective adopters.
Despite challenges, NAPTIP collaborates with various security forces to combat child trafficking, emphasizing the need for a collective effort against this crime.
