NSCDC Busts Baby Factory in Badagry, Rescues 18 Pregnant Women, 10 Children
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, have uncovered a baby factory in Okuju, Ilado area of Badagry, Lagos State, rescuing 18 pregnant women and 10 children, and arresting two suspects identified as Joy Okeke and Raphael Agwu.
The operation, which was carried out on Wednesday night into the early hours of Thursday, followed actionable intelligence and three weeks of sustained surveillance led by the Divisional Officer of Badagry Division, Chief Superintendent of Corps Ekunola Gbenga.
Investigations revealed that the victims, aged between 18 and 30, were recruited through offers on Facebook platforms, where they agreed to surrender their babies after delivery in exchange for payments ranging between N500,000 and N1.8 million.
Some of the pregnant women reportedly came to the facility with their existing children and infants, who were also put up for sale to interested buyers.
Speaking during the parade of the suspects and victims at the NSCDC office in Ibereko, Badagry, the Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed that the facility operated as a baby factory where women were harboured, delivered babies, and had the newborns sold.
He explained that the suspects enticed pregnant women with financial incentives, taking custody of the babies after birth and paying off the mothers as agreed.
Out of the 18 pregnant women rescued, one was reported to have suffered a miscarriage, leaving 17 still carrying pregnancies at the time of the operation. Other children found at the facility were also reportedly awaiting negotiation for sale.
Keshinro described the operation as exposing a grievous crime against humanity, adding that the suspects would be handed over to the police for prosecution, while the victims would be transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for proper care and rehabilitation.
Items recovered from the facility included a pumping machine, generator set, standing fans, gas cylinders, burners, cooking pots, mobile phones, mats, toiletries, baby skincare products, tableware, and assorted food items.
He further noted that the premises would be handed over to the Lagos State Government, which may decide to demolish the structure to prevent future illegal use.
In her response, the principal suspect, Joy Okeke, claimed she was involved in arranging child adoption for couples without children and stated that she relocated to Badagry from Ikorodu in January in search of a bigger apartment. She, however, declined to disclose further details without the presence of her lawyer.
Similarly, Raphael Agwu, who described himself as a housekeeper, claimed the women willingly came to the facility after agreements facilitated through online platforms, adding that he believed the arrangement provided an alternative to abortion and support for childless couples.
Some of the rescued women also confirmed that they voluntarily subscribed to the arrangement, citing financial hardship and personal circumstances, including unwanted pregnancies, as reasons for their involvement. They noted that while they were adequately fed and had access to medical care, their movement was restricted within the facility.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to intensifying efforts against human trafficking and illegal child trade, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
