The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has uncovered an alleged baby factory in Imo State and rescued five pregnant women during a raid on the facility in Owerri West Local Government Area.
Security operatives also rescued five newborn babies during the operation and arrested a 52-year-old woman identified as Tochukwu Ogaranya, who was said to be the owner of the orphanage where the illegal activities were allegedly taking place. Another suspect, identified as Godwin Nnamdi, was also arrested in connection with the operation.
The state commandant of the corps, Basil Igwebueze, said the discovery followed intelligence gathered after one of the officers spotted a pregnant woman attempting to escape from the facility located around the World Bank area of Owerri.
According to him, the information prompted officers to move into the premises, where they arrested the suspects and rescued the pregnant women and newborn babies found at the location.
The commandant described baby factories and child trafficking as serious crimes and urged residents to report suspicious activities in their communities. He said cooperation from members of the public was crucial in helping security agencies uncover such criminal operations.
The suspects are expected to face prosecution as investigations continue into the alleged operation and possible trafficking network linked to the facility.
