By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered and dismantled an illegal “baby factory” in Badagry, Lagos State, rescuing 28 victims and arresting two suspects linked to the operation.
The Lagos State Commandant of the Corps, Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed this while addressing journalists on Friday in Badagry, noting that the breakthrough followed a directive by the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to deploy technology-driven intelligence in tackling criminal activities nationwide.
Keshinro said the discovery was the result of a three-week surveillance operation by NSCDC operatives in the Badagry axis, culminating in an overnight raid between April 15 and 16 at Okuju, Ilado, in the Olorunda area.
According to him, the suspects allegedly used a Facebook account to lure pregnant women, promising payments ranging from N500,000 to N1 million in exchange for their babies after delivery.
He revealed that 28 victims were rescued from the facility, including 17 heavily pregnant women, 10 children and infants, and one adult male.
Preliminary investigations also indicated that one of the victims lost her pregnancy due to the poor and unsafe conditions at the facility.
Items recovered from the scene include a pumping machine, generator set, standing fans, gas cylinders, cooking utensils, android phones, mats, and assorted food items.
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The commandant condemned the operation, describing it as inhumane and a reflection of the extreme desperation of individuals engaging in criminal activities for financial gain.
He added that both the suspects and victims have been transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and necessary action.
Keshinro assured the public that those responsible for the illegal operation would be brought to justice, reiterating the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding lives and combating human trafficking and related crimes.
