The NSCDC has uncovered a suspected baby factory in Badagry, Lagos, rescuing 28 victims and arresting two suspects in a late-night raid.
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has uncovered a suspected baby factory in Badagry, Lagos State, rescuing 28 persons and arresting two suspects during a midnight raid.
According to officials, those rescued include 18 adults and 10 children, among them 17 pregnant women and one woman who reportedly suffered a miscarriage. The alleged victims are said to be between 18 and 35 years old.
Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, said the operation followed intelligence gathering that began three weeks earlier.
“We received information about the facility three weeks ago and carried out the raid around midnight on Wednesday,” he told journalists.
Keshinro said the property, located in Okuju-Ilado, Badagry, was a large residential building containing several apartments.
He alleged that operators lured pregnant women with promises of financial assistance and required them to sign agreements before being admitted.
According to him, the suspects allegedly used a disguised Facebook account to attract victims before moving conversations to private chats.
“Once the victims arrive, their freedom is restricted and they are subjected to the conditions within the facility,” he said.
The commandant disclosed that both the rescued persons and the suspects would be transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for further investigation and possible prosecution.
One suspect, Joy Okeke, reportedly said the operation had previously run in Ikorodu before relocating to Badagry in January. She declined further comment, saying she would speak only in the presence of legal counsel.
Another suspect, Alfred Junior, claimed the women came voluntarily and received transport support after agreements were signed.
Chairman of the Okuju-Ilado Community Development Association, Adebayo Odunfa, said residents had become suspicious because occupants rarely left the premises.
“We noticed the occupants were always indoors, and the male suspect handled purchases before locking the premises,” he said.
Authorities are expected to continue investigations as concerns grow over trafficking and illegal child trade operations in parts of the country.
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