Nigeria’s Baby Factories

Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing surge in baby factories. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has expressed concern about the proliferation of child trafficking across the country. The baby factory phenomenon in the country involves the abduction or coercion of young girls and women, who are then confined in facilities until they give birth. These ‘facilities’ often operate under the guise of private medical clinics, perpetrating the illegal trade of newborns. The prevalent areas for these activities include the South East states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo, where the demand for babies remains high. However, the issue extends beyond this region, with reports from Lagos State (South West) and Rivers State (South-South).

According to the Director-General of NAPTIP, Fatima Waziri-Azi, there have been alarming reports and public outcry regarding the sale of babies and the existence of facilities specialising in trapping young girls, recruiting men to impregnate them, and subsequently selling the babies after delivery. One of the most recent incidents occurred in Umunkwa village, located in the Umuafai Ndume Ibeku area of Umuahia North Local Government, Abia State, where six victims were rescued. The Department of State Services (DSS), Abia State Command, uncovered the baby factory. A sixty-three-year-old woman was apprehended as the owner of the factory.

Despite efforts to combat the surge in baby factories, the clandestine nature of these operations, coupled with the economic and cultural underpinnings, has led to the persistence of these illegal practices. The demand for babies, coupled with the vulnerabilities of impoverished young women, continues to fuel the operation of baby factories in Nigeria. Also, there is a thriving market for babies, often from childless couples.  The surge in baby factories has drawn international attention and concern. Reports of young women being held against their will, raped, and forced into childbirth highlight the grave human rights violations associated with this illicit trade. The United Nations and various human rights organisations have condemned these practices, calling for concerted efforts to address the root causes and provide protection for the victims.

The surge in baby factories in Nigeria is a concerning trend that requires immediate and concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, communities, and the public. It is imperative to increase awareness, strengthen collaboration, and take swift action to dismantle these illegal operations and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitative practices. The surge in baby factories presents a complex and distressing phenomenon, reflecting the intersection of economic vulnerability, cultural pressures, and criminal exploitation. The rise in baby factories is a pressing issue that demands urgent attention and coordinated efforts to eradicate such inhumane practices and ensure the safety and well-being of the country’s vulnerable population.