The head of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Anambra State, Ibadin Judith-Chukwu, has said that human trafficking in the state is becoming more serious and dangerous.
She said she is especially worried about a new trend where young men and women live together just to have babies, which are later sold.
In an interview with journalists in her office in Awka on Saturday, she said NAPTIP is doing its best by creating local task forces to stop human trafficking in rural areas, where the problem is worse.
She explained that sometimes a girl becomes pregnant, and then a man suddenly pretends to want to marry her. After the baby is born, he secretly sells the child, often without the mother’s knowledge.
Judith-Chukwu said baby selling happens more often in villages, and she stressed the need to educate people in these areas about the dangers and tricks used by traffickers.
She added that NAPTIP is working well by setting up special teams in each state to fight trafficking. These teams are trained to deal with crimes common in their areas.
In Anambra, the task force has been very active since it started in 2020. It has carried out several campaigns to teach people about human trafficking and how to avoid falling into its traps.
The NAPTIP boss also said that the agency and its task force are focused on warning the public about the lies and tricks used by traffickers.
She asked traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other important people to help in the fight against this growing crime.
Judith-Chukwu said they are working with police, churches, and community groups to spread the message across the whole state.
She also mentioned that the upcoming August meeting will be a good chance to educate more people about human trafficking.
