The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched a nationwide investigation into orphanage homes across the country, according to the agency’s Director-General, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi.
Speaking during a One-Day Community Dialogue and Advocacy on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Abuja, Prof. Waziri-Azi revealed that many orphanages are currently under investigation for various infractions, including human trafficking.
The NAPTIP boss warned that some orphanages are engaging in illegal activities, including child adoption racketeering, and cautioned Nigerians to be careful when adopting babies from such homes. She emphasized that no orphanage has the right to conclude the adoption of children and urged Nigerians to follow due process in adoption cases.
Prof. Waziri-Azi’s statement comes on the heels of a recent arrest of a fake Rev. Sister over the alleged trafficking of 38 children in Delta State, as well as the arraignment of the founder of Arrows of God Orphanage Home, Deborah Ogo, for human trafficking.
The investigation is ongoing, and NAPTIP is working to ensure that orphanages operate within the law and that the rights of children are protected.
