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NAPTIP Start Nationwide Investigation of Orphanages Trafficking

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 6th, 2024.

NAPTIP Start Nationwide Investigation of Orphanages Trafficking

The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, announced that numerous orphanages across Nigeria are currently under investigation for potential human trafficking activities.

Prof. Waziri-Azi made this announcement during a One-Day Community Dialogue and Advocacy on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) organized by NAPTIP for stakeholders in the Gwagwalada communities of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday.

She emphasized that some orphanages are involved in infractions that could be classified as human trafficking, stating, “We are investigating many orphanages nationwide and prosecuting several of them. NAPTIP has found that no orphanage has the authority to finalize the adoption of children.”

The NAPTIP chief explained that the agency intervenes when there are indications of human trafficking and cautioned orphanages to scrutinize their operational practices. She also advised Nigerians to exercise caution and adhere to legal procedures when adopting children from these homes.

In May, NAPTIP empowered three human trafficking survivors in Edo State. During an empowerment program in Benin, the Commander of NAPTIP’s Zonal Office, Nduka Nwanwenene, reported that the beneficiaries had completed their training at the agency’s skill acquisition center.

Additionally, in April, NAPTIP’s Edo Zonal Command arrested a fake Reverend Sister in Delta State for allegedly trafficking 38 children.