The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a suspected baby factory in Badagry, Lagos State, rescuing 28 victims in a late-night operation.
According to officials, the victims include 18 adults and 10 children, with 17 of the women found to be pregnant and one reported miscarriage case. The individuals are said to be between the ages of 18 and 35.
Lagos NSCDC Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, said the raid followed intelligence gathered over a three-week period. “We received information about the facility three weeks ago and carried out the raid around midnight on Wednesday,” he said. The building, located in Okuju-Ilado, Badagry, was described as a large compound with multiple apartments allegedly used for the operation.
Keshinro said the suspects lured vulnerable pregnant women with financial incentives and made them sign agreements before restricting their movement. “The operators lure unsuspecting pregnant women with financial inducements and make them sign agreements… once they arrive, their freedom is restricted,” he said.
He added that the suspects allegedly used a disguised Facebook account to contact victims and move conversations to private chats. Two suspects were arrested at the scene and are expected to be handed over, along with the victims, to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and support.
One of the suspects, Joy Okeke, confirmed the operation had previously been based in Ikorodu before relocating to Badagry earlier this year but declined further comment pending legal representation.
Another suspect, Alfred Junior, claimed the women came voluntarily. “The pregnant women come on their own. Sometimes we give them transport money and take care of them after agreements are signed,” he said, insisting the operation was legal.
However, one of the rescued victims said she joined the facility after being abandoned by the man responsible for her pregnancy. “I came here on my own because the person who impregnated me refused to take responsibility,” she said. Local residents had reportedly become suspicious of activities at the property prior to the raid.
Chairman of the Okuju-Ilado Community Development Association, Adebayo Odunfa, said: “We noticed the occupants were always indoors… the male suspect handled purchases before locking the premises. We had no idea of their activities until the NSCDC raided the place.” Authorities say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to determine the full scope of the operation.
