Anambra NAPTIP Boss Raises Alarm Over Baby-Selling Trend Among Youths

The Anambra State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Ibadin Judith-Chukwu, has raised concern over the rising cases of human trafficking in the state, describing the situation as increasingly alarming.

Speaking with journalists in her office in Awka on Saturday, Judith-Chukwu revealed a disturbing trend where young people in rural areas now cohabit by mutual agreement solely to produce babies for sale.

“We have seen situations where a girl becomes pregnant, and someone quickly presents a marriage proposal. After she gives birth—often without her full knowledge or consent—the man takes the child and sells it,” she said.

Judith-Chukwu noted that this form of exploitation is more rampant in remote communities, stressing the urgent need for intensified public sensitisation in those areas.

She explained that while human trafficking remains a major challenge, NAPTIP has made progress through the establishment of state task forces to tackle the crime, particularly in rural regions.

“I can say that NAPTIP has performed fairly well by setting up state-specific task forces. These task forces are active and tailored to address trafficking issues unique to each location,” she said.

Since its creation in 2020, the Anambra State Task Force on Human Trafficking has carried out several initiatives, including awareness campaigns aimed at educating residents about the deceptive methods employed by traffickers.

Judith-Chukwu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to curbing trafficking through community engagement and enlightenment, particularly by exposing the manipulation tactics used to exploit vulnerable individuals.