Government Agencies Launch Nationwide Probe Into Human Trafficking At Orphanage Homes

Government Agencies Launch Nationwide Probe Into Human Trafficking At Orphanage Homes

The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, disclosed that numerous orphanages across the country are presently under scrutiny.

She revealed this while addressing queries at a One-Day Community Dialogue and Advocacy on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) organized by the agency for stakeholders in the Gwagwalada communities of the FCT last Thursday.

Prof. Fatima pointed out that certain orphanages are involved in various violations that constitute human trafficking. She stated, “We are currently investigating numerous orphanages across the country, with ongoing prosecutions by NAPTIP.”

“We have observed several irregularities within these orphanages. No orphanage has the authority to finalize child adoptions,” she emphasized, noting that NAPTIP intervenes whenever there are indications of human trafficking.

The Director-General cautioned orphanages to adhere strictly to operational guidelines and advised Nigerians to follow legal procedures when adopting children from such institutions.

In related developments, NAPTIP recently empowered three survivors of human trafficking in Edo State as part of its initiatives. Commander Nduka Nwanwenene of NAPTIP’s Edo Zonal office highlighted that the beneficiaries had completed skill acquisition training at the agency’s center in Benin.

Earlier in April, the NAPTIP Edo Zonal Command arrested an individual posing as a Reverend Sister for allegedly trafficking 38 children in Delta State.