By Peter Dansu Residents of a Badagry community were jolted after operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps uncovered a su...
By Peter Dansu
Residents of a Badagry community were jolted after operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps uncovered a suspected baby factory in Okuju-Ilado, rescuing 27 victims, including 17 pregnant women and 10 children.
The midnight raid on Wednesday followed weeks of intelligence gathering, Lagos State Commandant Adedotun Keshinro said.
Keshinro told journalists that the facility, a large residential building with multiple apartments, had been under surveillance for about three weeks before officers moved in.
He said the suspects allegedly lured pregnant women with promises of financial support, then confined them on arrival.
The operators reportedly used a fake Facebook account to contact victims, moving conversations to private chats where arrangements were concluded.
“Once the victims arrive, their freedom is restricted,” he said.
The rescued women, aged 18 to 35, included one who had suffered a miscarriage. Two suspects were arrested.
One suspect, Joy Okeke, said the operation had operated in Ikorodu before moving to Badagry in January. She declined further comment without legal representation.
Another suspect, Alfred Junior, insisted 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.
Some victims gave a different account. One said she came out of desperation after the man responsible for her pregnancy abandoned her.
“I came here on my own because he refused to take responsibility,” she said.
Residents said they had noticed unusual activity at the property. Chairman of the Okuju-Ilado Community Development Association, Adebayo Odunfa, said occupants rarely went out, while a man handled purchases and kept the premises locked.
“We had no idea what was happening until the raid,” he said.
Keshinro said the victims and suspects would be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for investigation.
The case has renewed concern over illegal baby factories and human trafficking in parts of Lagos State, with authorities urging residents to report suspicious activity.
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