A 63-year-old woman, Chinyere Nkwocha, has been arrested for operating a baby factory in Abia State.
NAPTIP Director-General, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, disclosed this in a statement while lamenting the surge in reports and public outcry due to the sale of babies and the existence of clandestine facilities that exploit vulnerable individuals, including young girls and minors.
Waziri-Ari said the factory was uncovered by the Abia State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS).
“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 24 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.”
She disclosed that the factories operate covertly and take advantage of the desperation and vulnerability of unsuspecting victims.
Also, she stressed 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 numbers.
