The Lagos State government has reiterated its dedication to streamlining the adoption process to combat illegal child trafficking.
Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, the State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, said this while addressing concerns regarding the lengthy procedures that are often cited as a factor contributing to the increase in child trafficking.
During a speech at the Zone 2 Police Command Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos, Ogunlende recognised the public’s dissatisfaction with the current nine-step legal adoption process, reassuring the public that the government is actively working to shorten the time required for adoption while still upholding the essential protections needed to ensure that children are placed in safe and suitable environments.
“We are working tirelessly to streamline the process while adhering to the standards to protect children. Adoption requires careful procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved,” Ogunlende said. He also warned against patronising child traffickers and called for community collaboration to curb the menace.
This announcement follows the arrest of eight suspects by the Zone 2 Police Command, who are allegedly part of a well-known child trafficking ring. The police also successfully rescued five children, aged between one and six, from these suspects and transferred them to the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
As per Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zonal CID, Zone 2, Mr Ajao Adewale, the arrests were made after an intelligence report was received on January 8, 2025. The report revealed the operations of a syndicate focused on the sale of newborns, toddlers, and other young children.
Adewale disclosed that the syndicate was run by a group of individuals, including Sunday Okputu, alleged to be the leading supplier of children, and Chioma Ibezim, who served as the intermediary, seeking out buyers.
