By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have dismantled a suspected baby factory in the Okuju area of Ilado, Badagry, Lagos State, rescuing 18 pregnant women and 10 children during a late-night operation carried out between Wednesday and early Thursday, following intelligence gathered over three weeks to curb child trafficking and exploitation.
Operation Leads to Major Rescue
The NSCDC Lagos Command confirmed that one of the rescued women suffered a miscarriage. As a result, 17 women remain pregnant.
Authorities also arrested two suspects, Joy Okeke and Raphael Agwu, in connection with the operation. Officials later paraded the victims, aged between 18 and 30, at the NSCDC office in Ibereko.
How the Baby Factory Operated
According to Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, the suspects ran a coordinated operation. They targeted vulnerable women and convinced them to give up their babies after delivery.
In exchange, the operators offered payments ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1.8 million. Furthermore, authorities said the suspects planned to sell the babies to interested buyers.
Victims Recruited Through Social Media
Investigations showed that agents used Facebook and other online platforms to recruit victims. These agents connected pregnant women to the operators and helped them negotiate terms.
Several victims admitted they joined due to financial hardship. One woman said she expected ₦1 million after delivery. Another disclosed she was promised ₦1.8 million.
In addition, a victim said she accepted the offer after becoming pregnant for a man she described as irresponsible.
Living Conditions Inside the Facility
The women explained that the operators provided food, toiletries, and basic healthcare. They could also use their phones and request medical attention when necessary.
However, the victims could not move freely. Although they could leave before delivery, they would lose the promised payment.
Some women arrived with their children, who stayed with them at the facility.
Suspects Defend Their Actions
Joy Okeke claimed the centre focused on helping childless couples adopt children. She stated that she moved from Ikorodu to Badagry in January to secure a larger apartment.
However, she declined to provide more details without her lawyer present.
Similarly, Raphael Agwu argued that the women joined willingly. He added that the arrangement offered an alternative to abortion.
Despite these claims, authorities insist the operation amounts to human trafficking.
Items Recovered During the Raid
NSCDC operatives recovered several items from the building, including a pumping machine, generator, gas cylinders, burner, cooking pots, mobile phones, mats, toiletries, baby skincare products, and food items.
These items indicated that the facility functioned as a full-time residential centre.
Authorities Take Further Action
Keshinro described the operation as a serious crime against humanity. He confirmed that officials will hand over the suspects to the police for prosecution.
Meanwhile, authorities will transfer the victims to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for care and rehabilitation.
In addition, the Lagos State Government will decide the fate of the building. Officials may demolish it to prevent further illegal activities.
