The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismantled a suspected baby factory in Badagry, Lagos State, rescuing 17 pregnant women and 10 children.
In a late-night raid on Wednesday, operatives also freed an additional adult female who had suffered a miscarriage, bringing the total number of rescued adults to 18. Two suspects were arrested in the operation. The victims are aged between 18 and 35.
Lagos NSCDC Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, told journalists that the operation followed three weeks of intelligence gathering. “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, is large and comprises several apartments. According to Mr Keshinro, the operators lured unsuspecting pregnant women with financial promises and coerced them into signing agreements. The suspects allegedly used a disguised Facebook account to conceal their intentions, directing victims to private chats.
“Once the victims arrive, their freedom is restricted, and they are subjected to the conditions within the facility,” he added. All rescued persons and the suspects will be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
One of the suspects, Joy Okeke, disclosed that the operation had previously been based in Ikorodu before relocating to Badagry in January. She declined further comment, stating: “I will not answer questions until my lawyer is present.”
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 victim said she joined voluntarily after the man responsible for her pregnancy refused to take responsibility. “I came here on my own because the person who impregnated me refused to take responsibility,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Adebayo Odunfa, chairman of the Okuju-Ilado Community Development Association, said residents had grown suspicious of the property. “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.