NSCDC Busts Baby Factory in Badagry, Rescues 28 Victims

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, have uncovered and dismantled an alleged baby factory in Badagry, rescuing 28 victims and arresting two suspects.

The operation, carried out in the Olorunda area of Badagry, followed a three-week intelligence-driven surveillance, in line with directives from the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to intensify the use of technology in combating criminal activities.

Addressing journalists on Friday, the Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed that the raid took place overnight between April 15 and 16 at a residence in Okuju, Ilado.
According to him, two suspects were apprehended at the scene, where victims were allegedly lured through a Facebook account used to recruit pregnant women willing to sell their babies after delivery for sums ranging between ₦500,000 and ₦1 million.

Keshinro said a total of 28 victims were rescued, including 17 heavily pregnant women, one adult male, and 10 children, including infants. He added that preliminary investigations revealed that one of the victims had lost her pregnancy due to the poor and unsafe conditions at the facility.

Items recovered from the premises include a pumping machine, generator, standing fans, gas cylinders, cooking equipment, mobile phones, mats, and food items.

The Commandant condemned the operation of such facilities, describing it as inhumane and a criminal exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

He further disclosed that the suspects and victims have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and necessary action, assuring that those involved would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.