NSCDC uncovers suspected baby factory in Badagry, rescues 28 victims

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a suspected baby factory in Badagry, Lagos State, rescuing 28 victims, including 17 pregnant women and 10 children, during a midnight raid on the facility.

Lagos State NSCDC Commandant, Mr. Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed the development while briefing journalists, saying the operation was carried out following intelligence gathered over a three-week period.

According to him, the raid took place around midnight on Wednesday at a large residential building located in the Okuju-Ilado area of Badagry. The property, he said, comprised several apartments allegedly used to house the victims.

Keshinro explained that security operatives acted on credible information about suspicious activities at the facility.

“We received information about the facility three weeks ago and carried out the raid around midnight on Wednesday,” he said.

He alleged that the operators lured unsuspecting pregnant women with promises of financial assistance and made them sign agreements upon arrival.

“The operators lure unsuspecting pregnant women with financial inducements and make them sign agreements,” Keshinro stated.

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The suspects were also said to have used a disguised Facebook account to conceal their true intentions, directing prospective victims to private chats before arranging meetings.

“Once the victims arrive, their freedom is restricted and they are subjected to the conditions within the facility,” he added.

Two suspects were arrested during the operation alongside the victims, who are aged between 18 and 35 years.

The NSCDC commandant said both the suspects and the rescued individuals would be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and necessary action.

One of the suspects, Mrs. Joy Okeke, reportedly told journalists that the operation had previously been based in Ikorodu before relocating to Badagry in January.

She declined to provide further details, saying she would not speak without her lawyer present.

Another suspect, Alfred Junior, claimed that the women came to the facility 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 that the operation was legal and that no one was forced to stay.

One of the rescued women said she willingly went to the facility after the man responsible for her pregnancy refused to accept responsibility.

“I came here on my own because the person who impregnated me refused to take responsibility,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Okuju-Ilado Community Development Association, Mr. Adebayo Odunfa, said residents had grown suspicious of activities at the property prior to the raid.

“We noticed the occupants were always indoors, and the male suspect handled purchases before locking the premises. We had no idea of their activities until the NSCDC raided the place on Wednesday,” he said.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the operation and whether more individuals may be connected to the suspected trafficking network.