NSCDC Uncovers Baby Factory and Rescues Victims in Imo State
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Imo State Command has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against child trafficking by uncovering a clandestine 'baby factory' located in the Owerri West Local Government Area. This operation led to the arrest of a 52-year-old woman, Tochukwu Ogaranya, and her accomplice, while also rescuing five pregnant women and five newborn babies from the illicit facility.
Arrests and Rescue Operation Details
Mr. Basil Igwebueze, the NSCDC Commandant in Imo State, disclosed the details of this operation during a press briefing held in Owerri on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The suspects, including Ogaranya and an alleged accomplice named Godwin Nnamdi, aged 47, were apprehended at an orphanage where they were reportedly conducting their illegal activities. The rescue mission was initiated after an NSCDC officer observed a pregnant teenager fleeing from the orphanage situated in the World Bank area of Owerri, the state capital.
Igwebueze emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "This prompted my officers to move into action at the orphanage, arrest the owner of the orphanage, and rescue the pregnant women and newborn babies." He described child trafficking as a "heinous crime" and urged residents of Imo State to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities to security agencies promptly. He credited the success of the operation to the cooperation of local residents, noting, "If the residents of the state had not assisted us with the necessary information, the command would not have uncovered such a criminal act."
Suspect's Defense and Victim's Account
In her defense, Tochukwu Ogaranya claimed that her orphanage was certified and not involved in child trafficking as alleged. She recounted how a 33-year-old woman, identified simply as Chiamaka, arrived at the orphanage pregnant after allegedly escaping from the man who impregnated her in Abia State. Ogaranya stated that she contacted the police, who promised to travel with Chiamaka to Abia to arrest the man. However, she expressed surprise when her workers informed her that Chiamaka had scaled the fence of the compound and was later apprehended by local vigilantes.
Chiamaka, who hails from Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, provided a contrasting account. She revealed that she was introduced to the orphanage by an unidentified individual with the promise that she could deliver and sell her baby there. Feeling unable to cope with the conditions at the orphanage, she decided to escape by scaling the fence, stating, "I scaled the fence and ran away for my dear life."
Legal Proceedings and Broader Implications
The NSCDC has confirmed that the suspects will be arraigned for prosecution, underscoring the agency's commitment to combating child trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing human trafficking in Nigeria and the critical role of community involvement in supporting law enforcement efforts. The rescue of the pregnant women and newborns serves as a reminder of the urgent need for strengthened regulations and oversight of orphanages and similar facilities to prevent such abuses.
