A security outfit run by Cross River Government has raided a suspected baby factory operating within Anantigha area of Calabar South, rescuing 24 pregnant ladies, 11 children and arrested two suspects.

The security outfit, “Operation Akpaukwu,” was formed by Governor Ben Ayade to tackle all forms of illegality, especially kidnapping.

The Officer Commanding 13 Brigade Provost, Major Stanley Ikpeme, did the handing over of the suspects to officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on behalf of the 13 Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Mohammed Abdullahi on Wednesday in Calabar.

He said that the Nigeria Army would not relent in its task of ensuring that peace and security reign in the state. 

The official from NAPTIP, Oba Jacobs, who received the victims and suspects, stated that the suspects would be investigated and charged to court.

Mr. Jacobs urged the public to keep an eye on their neighbors and report suspicious activities to the agency for proper action.

“As an agency, we have the mandate to arrest and prosecute. We also urged the public to assist us with useful information that would lead to the arrest of this category of people involved in this kind of racket,” he said.

He said that the agency had a facility in Calabar where suspects would be kept until proper investigation would be conducted and those found wanting would  face the wrath of the law.

One of the suspects alleged to be the owner of the baby factory, Fidelia Daniel, denied any knowledge of the factory.

One of the teenagers who claimed to be carrying a five months pregnancy, Stella John, said she was introduced to the place by one of her friends whose name she refused to mention.

Ms. John disclosed that she used to receive the sum of N2,000 on a weekly basis for her upkeep. 

(NAN)