Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Security operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have uncovered a suspected baby factory operating under the guise of an orphanage in Imo State, rescuing five pregnant women and five newborn babies in a raid that authorities say exposed a possible child-trafficking network operating in the area.
The operation took place in Owerri, the Imo State capital, specifically around the World Bank area in Owerri West Local Government Area. According to officials of the NSCDC, the discovery followed an incident in which a pregnant woman attempted to escape from the facility, raising suspicions that eventually led to the exposure of the alleged illegal operation.
Authorities said the suspected baby factory was being run from a building presented to the public as an orphanage home. Following the intelligence gathered from the attempted escape, officers of the NSCDC moved into the premises, where they arrested the alleged operator of the facility, a 52-year-old woman identified as Tochukwu Ogaranya. A second suspect, Godwin Nnamdi, aged 47 and described as a relative and suspected collaborator of the owner, was also taken into custody.
During the raid, security operatives discovered five pregnant women aged between 25 and 33 within the compound. The officers also rescued five newborn babies who were said to be only a few weeks or months old.
The Imo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Basil Igwebueze, confirmed the development while briefing journalists in Owerri. He explained that the discovery occurred after one of the corps’ officers noticed a pregnant woman fleeing from the facility. The unusual incident prompted a swift investigation by the command, which led to the raid and the eventual uncovering of the suspected baby trafficking operation.
According to Igwebueze, the officers immediately mobilised after receiving the information and proceeded to the suspected orphanage facility where the pregnant women and babies were found. He described the alleged activities discovered at the location as a serious criminal offence and warned that such operations would not be tolerated in the state.
Authorities say the rescued women have been taken into protective custody while investigations continue. The newborn babies were also removed from the facility and placed under the care of relevant authorities for medical evaluation and protection.
One of the rescued women, identified simply as Chiamaka, reportedly told investigators that she had been introduced to the orphanage through a third party who promised that she could give birth there and later sell the baby. According to her account, she eventually became uncomfortable with the situation and attempted to escape by scaling the fence of the compound.
Her escape attempt reportedly triggered the chain of events that ultimately led to the discovery of the facility and the arrest of the suspects. Community members and local vigilante groups also played a role in alerting authorities and helping to intercept the fleeing woman.
However, the alleged owner of the facility has denied operating a baby factory. She claimed that the orphanage was properly registered and insisted that she was only trying to assist pregnant women who needed shelter and care. She further stated that the woman who escaped had arrived at the facility pregnant after allegedly fleeing from a man responsible for her pregnancy.
Despite the denial, NSCDC officials say investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of activities carried out at the premises and whether the facility was part of a broader child-trafficking network.
Commandant Igwebueze emphasised that child trafficking and the commercialisation of babies remain serious crimes under Nigerian law. He urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
He also commended members of the community whose information helped expose the operation, stressing that public cooperation with law enforcement is essential in tackling organised crimes of this nature.
Baby factory operations have been reported in several parts of Nigeria over the past two decades. These facilities typically operate under the guise of orphanages, maternity homes or clinics and involve the recruitment or confinement of pregnant women whose babies are later sold to buyers through illegal adoption arrangements.
In some cases, victims are lured with promises of financial support, shelter or employment, only to find themselves trapped in facilities where they are pressured to give up their babies after delivery.
Experts on human trafficking say the demand for infants—often driven by couples seeking to bypass the lengthy and bureaucratic legal adoption process—has helped sustain the underground trade in children.
Nigeria has recorded numerous cases in which security agencies raided such facilities and rescued pregnant women and babies. Reports indicate that the illegal trade has been fueled by poverty, social stigma associated with unwanted pregnancies, and the demand for children by individuals unable or unwilling to follow formal adoption procedures.
International organisations and child rights advocates have warned that the phenomenon represents a serious violation of human rights, with infants effectively treated as commodities in a criminal marketplace.
Authorities say the suspects arrested in the Imo case will be charged in court once investigations are completed. Meanwhile, social welfare agencies are expected to work with law enforcement authorities to provide medical care, psychological support and rehabilitation for the rescued women.
Security agencies have also called on citizens to remain alert and promptly report suspicious facilities posing as orphanages, maternity homes or child care centres.
The latest discovery in Imo State highlights the continuing challenge faced by Nigerian authorities in dismantling human trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable women and children from exploitation.
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