NAPTIP rescues six pregnant girls from baby factory in Abia

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says its operatives have rescued 10 victims, including six pregnant girls, from a baby factory in Abia state.

In a statement on Monday, Fatima Waziri-Azi, director-general (DG) of NAPTIP, said the factory is located at Umunkwa village in the Umuafai Ndume Ibeku area of Umuahia north LGA of the state.

She said a lactating mother and two boys who are minors are among those rescued from the baby factory.

“The baby factory was uncovered by the Department of State Services (DSS), Abia state command,” NAN quoted Waziri-Azi as saying.

She said the agency also arrested a 63-year-old woman operating the baby factory, adding that the suspect and the victims have been handed over to the NAPTIP office in Abia for further investigation and prosecution.

“We commended the Abia state command of DSS for the successful operation,” she added.

The NAPTIP DG said the agency has received alarming reports on sales of infants and the operations of baby factories in the country.

Waziri-Azi said many girls have been recruited for the purpose, adding that the baby factory operators take advantage of the desperation and vulnerability of the women.

She called on members of the public, particularly parents, to be conscious of the safety of their wards.

She urged citizens to continue to support the agency and provide relevant information to tackle human trafficking in the country.