Anambra Youths ‘Producing Babies for Sale’, NAPTIP Sounds Alarm

The Anambra State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Ibadin Judith‑Chukwu, has raised serious concerns over a disturbing trend among youths in rural communities. She disclosed that some young couples are intentionally cohabiting solely to conceive children for sale—a form of trafficking she described as “producing babies for sale”

According to Judith‑Chukwu, the modus operandi involves a woman getting pregnant, after which a man—sometimes presented as a suitor—takes the baby at birth and sells it without the mother’s full awareness or consent . She emphasized that this practice is most prevalent in remote villages and rural areas, often escaping public notice until cases are uncovered during rural outreach and investigations .

To stem the growing problem, NAPTIP has established a state task force in Anambra focused on rural human trafficking. The task force is actively engaging in public enlightenment campaigns, aiming to educate communities and enlist traditional rulers, religious bodies, and local influencers in the fight against these illegal practices. Plans are underway to intensify the effort with a major awareness programme scheduled for August .

The revelations by NAPTIP echo broader national concerns about the rise of “baby factories” and illegal child trafficking in Nigeria. Notably, similar baby trafficking rings have been exposed in other states, including Abia, where the DSS collaborated with NAPTIP to rescue victims from unauthorized maternity homes. Activists and authorities are now urging stronger community vigilance and stricter enforcement to protect vulnerable mothers and newborns from being commodified.

Share to: