The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it has uncovered a suspected baby factory in Badagry, Lagos State.

The NSCDC also said it rescued 18 adults and 10 children, including 17 pregnant women and a woman who had suffered a miscarriage, as well as two suspects. 

The alleged victims were aged between 18 and 35 years.

Addressing journalists, Lagos NSCDC Commandant Adedotun Keshinro said the operation was based on intelligence gathered three weeks earlier.

“We received information about the facility three weeks ago and carried out the raid around midnight on Wednesday,” he said.

Mr Keshinro said the building, located in Okuju-Ilado, Badagry, was large and comprised several apartments.

“The operators lure unsuspecting pregnant women with financial inducements and make them sign agreements,” he said.

He added that 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,” Mr Keshinro said.

He said both the victims and suspects would be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

One of the suspects, Joy Okeke, said the operation had previously been based in Ikorodu before relocating to Badagry in January.

Ms Okeke declined further comments, 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.

He insisted the operation was legal, adding that the women were not forced.

A victim said she joined voluntarily after the man responsible for her pregnancy failed to accept responsibility.

“I came here on my own because the person who impregnated me refused to take responsibility,” she said.

Also speaking, Adebayo Odunfa, chairman of the Okuju-Ilado Community Development Association, said residents had grown suspicious of activities at 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,” Mr Odunfa added. 

(NAN)