Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, have uncovered an illegal baby factory operating in the Badagry area of the state. During the raid, authorities rescued 18 pregnant women and 10 children, while arresting two suspects identified as Joy Okeke and Raphael Agwu, who allegedly managed the facility.
Investigations revealed that the victims, mostly between the ages of 18 and 30, were recruited through Facebook and other online platforms.
They were reportedly promised payments ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1.8m in exchange for surrendering their babies after delivery.
Some of the women already had children and willingly entered agreements with the operators due to financial hardship or unplanned pregnancies.
According to officials, the facility functioned as a “baby factory,” where pregnant women were housed, fed, and monitored until childbirth. After delivery, the babies were taken and allegedly sold to interested buyers, while the mothers were paid off based on prior agreements.
The victims were not allowed to leave freely, although they could opt out before delivery without receiving any payment. One of the rescued women reportedly suffered a miscarriage during her stay.
Authorities described the operation as a grave violation of human rights and a crime against humanity. Items recovered from the location included household supplies, baby products, and equipment used to sustain the operation.
The suspects claimed they were helping childless couples and offering alternatives to abortion, but officials rejected this justification.
The NSCDC confirmed that the suspects will be handed over to the police for prosecution, while the rescued victims will be transferred to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for rehabilitation and further support.
The Lagos State Government is also expected to take over the facility, which may be demolished to prevent future illegal activities.