NSCDC Busts Baby Factory in Badagry, Rescues 18 Pregnant Women and 10 Children
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has made a significant breakthrough in combating human trafficking, with the rescue of 18 pregnant women and 10 children from a clandestine baby factory in Badagry, Lagos State. The operation, which culminated in the arrest of two suspects, was carried out on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Ilado-Ogudu, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, following weeks of intelligence gathering.
Details of the Rescue Operation
State Commandant Adedotun Keshinro of the NSCDC Lagos State Command revealed that the suspects lured victims through social media platforms, including Facebook groups such as Adoption Group in Nigeria, Abortion Group in Nigeria, and Unwanted Pregnancy Group in Nigeria. The victims were enticed with promises of care and adoption services, only to have their babies sold to customers after delivery. Keshinro expressed shock at the scale of the operation, stating, "We were surprised that such an operation is going on in Lagos until we started investigating to the day we ingress the building. This is human inhumanity to human."
Of the 18 women rescued, 17 were pregnant, while one had suffered a miscarriage. The NSCDC also discovered that the suspects were negotiating the sale of additional babies with potential buyers. The suspects, identified as Joy Okeke and Raphael Junior Agwu, operated from a building with multiple rooms in Badagry, having relocated from Ikorodu earlier in the year due to space constraints.
Suspects' Statements and Modus Operandi
Joy Okeke, the alleged operator of the center, admitted to starting operations in Badagry in January 2026, claiming she aimed to provide adoption services for childless families. When questioned about the sale of children, she refused to comment, insisting on legal representation. Raphael Junior Agwu, a 35-year-old accomplice, described his role as a housekeeper and errand-runner, stating he was unaware of the criminal nature of the activities. He explained, "I never knew it's a crime because I see it like helping families because some of the girls said they wanted to abort and they were advised to move in with the promise that they would be cared for and their children will be adopted."
Agwu further disclosed that negotiations for baby sales were conducted via Facebook, with agents contacting the suspects through the same social media groups used to recruit victims. The NSCDC emphasized that the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of their investigation, underscoring the gravity of the offenses.
Implications and Broader Context
This incident highlights the persistent issue of child trafficking and illegal adoption rings in Nigeria, particularly in urban areas like Lagos. The use of social media to exploit vulnerable pregnant women underscores the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and public awareness campaigns. The NSCDC's successful operation, based on actionable intelligence over three weeks, demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated security efforts in tackling such heinous crimes.
As the case proceeds to court, it serves as a stark reminder of the inhumanity involved in baby factories and the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect women and children from exploitation. The rescue of these victims marks a critical step in the fight against human trafficking, but ongoing vigilance and community cooperation are essential to prevent future occurrences.
