Imo Moves To Establish Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force As NAPTIP Battles Rising Baby Factory Cases

Imo Moves to Establish Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force as NAPTIP Battles Rising Baby Factory Cases

From Seun Miracle 

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has intensified efforts to establish an Imo State Task Force on Human Trafficking as part of measures to curb the growing menace of baby factories and other forms of human trafficking in the state.

The Imo State Commander of NAPTIP, Mr. Toochukwu Ezejiegu, disclosed this in an interview, saying discussions with the state government have reached an advanced stage and are expected to strengthen the fight against trafficking through coordinated action.

According to him, the proposed task force will bring together relevant government ministries, security agencies and other stakeholders to improve prevention, enforcement and victim protection.

Ezejiegu revealed that the Imo State Commissioner for Justice has agreed to co-chair the task force alongside NAPTIP, a move he described as a major boost to the agency's efforts.

He said the partnership would provide a stronger institutional framework for tackling the increasingly sophisticated operations of traffickers in the state.

The commander raised concern over the rising incidence of human trafficking in Imo, particularly the proliferation of illegal orphanages, popularly known as baby factories, which he described as one of the agency's greatest challenges.

"It has not been rosy this year. Since I came in, I met a lot of challenges on the ground. I found that human trafficking, especially orphanage trafficking, which are baby factories, is on the high side.

"Apart from that, other forms of human trafficking, including feeding on the prostitution of another person, are also there," he said.

He explained that Imo has become a major source state where victims are recruited before being trafficked to destinations within and outside Nigeria.

"When it comes to orphanage trafficking, this place is not a transit point. It is where it originates before the victims are moved to various destinations.

"In other aspects of human trafficking, Imo State is also a source rather than a final destination," he added..

While acknowledging the support received from the Ministries of Justice, Women Affairs and Education, as well as other security agencies, Ezejiegu appealed to the state government to provide more logistical and financial support to sustain the fight against trafficking.

He noted that the command currently relies on operational vehicles provided by sister security agencies for rescue missions and enforcement operations, a situation he described as inadequate.

"We need operational vehicles, better office accommodation and more funding. The Federal Government is trying, but it is not sufficient.

"Since we are protecting the people of Imo State, especially children who are victims of trafficking, the state government should help bridge the gaps," he appealed.

Ezejiegu also identified low public awareness as a major factor driving human trafficking, saying many parents unknowingly hand over their children to traffickers because of deceptive promises.

He said NAPTIP has intensified sensitisation campaigns across communities to educate residents on the dangers of illegal adoption, baby factory operations and other forms of exploitation.

The commander expressed optimism that the proposed state task force would significantly strengthen collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and community leaders, leading to a more effective response to human trafficking and better protection for vulnerable children and women in Imo State.