The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has disclosed that seven suspects are currently standing trial in Gombe State over alleged baby trafficking and other human trafficking-related offences, while two others have already been convicted and sentenced to prison.
The Punch reported that the Gombe State Commander of NAPTIP, Aminu Shira, made this known during an interview with journalists in Gombe, stating that the agency had stepped up investigations and prosecution of suspected traffickers across the state.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that some healthcare workers and officials within the social welfare system were allegedly working with traffickers to facilitate the illegal sale and movement of babies.
He said the discovery had prompted the agency to strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance in vulnerable communities and institutions.
Shira explained that NAPTIP was collaborating with security and law enforcement agencies to dismantle trafficking syndicates, arrest suspects and ensure offenders were prosecuted.
He said, “We have seven persons currently facing prosecution over cases bordering on baby trafficking and human trafficking, while two others have been convicted and sentenced to prison.
“We are intensifying our investigations and intelligence gathering because we are determined to dismantle trafficking networks and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Expressing concern over the alleged involvement of individuals entrusted with protecting vulnerable children, particularly healthcare workers and social welfare officials, Shira said the agency would not spare anyone found culpable.
He lamented, “We have discovered that some compromised healthcare workers and officials within the social welfare system are allegedly collaborating with traffickers to facilitate the illegal sale and movement of babies.
“This is a serious concern, and we are strengthening our investigations and working with other relevant agencies to ensure that anyone found to be involved is made to face the law.”
The commander reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders to curb human trafficking, protect victims and prosecute offenders.
He also urged residents to support the agency by promptly reporting suspicious activities involving children and other vulnerable persons.
Shira advised parents and guardians to exercise caution when dealing with individuals or organisations offering to facilitate the adoption, movement or care of children.
He said, “Community support is very important in the fight against human trafficking. Members of the public should not remain silent when they notice suspicious activities.
“Timely information can help us prevent trafficking, rescue victims and apprehend those behind these criminal networks.”
He assured residents that NAPTIP would sustain efforts to tackle baby trafficking and other forms of human trafficking across Gombe State.
