Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have uncovered a disturbing baby factory operation in the Badagry area of Lagos, rescuing 18 pregnant women and 10 children while arresting two suspects.

The operation, carried out after weeks of intelligence gathering, led to the arrest of Joy Okeke and Raphael Agwu, who allegedly ran the illegal facility in Okuju, Ilado.

According to the Lagos State Commandant of NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, the centre was used to house pregnant women who were lured with promises of financial reward. After delivery, their babies were taken and sold to buyers.

“They are operating a baby factory where victims are made pregnant or come in pregnant, and once they deliver, the babies are sold,” Keshinro explained.

Investigations revealed that the victims, mostly aged between 18 and 30, were recruited through Facebook, where they entered agreements to give up their babies in exchange for payments ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1.8 million.

Some of the women already had children with them, while others were still pregnant. One victim reportedly suffered a miscarriage during her stay at the facility.

Although the suspects claimed the operation was a form of “adoption service,” authorities described it as a serious crime against humanity. The rescued victims will be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for proper care and rehabilitation, while the suspects will face prosecution.

Items recovered from the premises included household equipment, baby products, phones, and other supplies used to run the operation.

Keshinro added that the building may be handed over to the state government for possible demolition to prevent further illegal use.

This shocking discovery highlights the growing issue of human trafficking and illegal adoption schemes, as well as the urgent need for stronger monitoring and public awareness.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that community cooperation is key to tackling such crimes.