NSCDC Rescues 18 Pregnant Women and Children from Baby Factory in Badagry, Lagos
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully rescued 18 pregnant women and 10 children from a clandestine baby factory operating in the Badagry area of Lagos State. The operation, which took place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, led to the arrest of two suspects involved in the illegal adoption and sale of infants.
Details of the Rescue Operation
According to the NSCDC, the rescue mission was conducted in Ilado-Ogudu, within the Olorunda Local Council Development Area of Badagry. The suspects, identified as Joy Okeke and Raphael Junior Agwu, were paraded at the NSCDC Badagry Division in Ibereko. The facility, described as a building with multiple rooms, had been relocated from Ikorodu to Badagry earlier in the year due to space constraints.
State Commandant Adedotun Keshinro of the NSCDC Lagos State Command revealed that the victims were lured through social media platforms, including Facebook groups such as Adoption Group in Nigeria, Abortion Group in Nigeria, and Unwanted Pregnancy Group in Nigeria. The suspects negotiated with pregnant women, promising care and adoption services, only to sell the newborns to customers.
Investigation and Arrests
Keshinro stated that the NSCDC had been tracking the suspects for three weeks based on actionable intelligence before making the arrests on Wednesday. "We rescued 18 women, with 17 of them pregnant and one who had a miscarriage. There are other babies the suspects are negotiating with buyers to be sold," he said. He expressed shock at the operation's existence in Lagos, calling it "human inhumanity to human." The suspects are set to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Suspects' Statements
Joy Okeke, the operator of the center, admitted to starting operations in Badagry in January 2026 after moving from Ikorodu. She claimed the purpose was to provide adoption services for childless families, but when questioned about the sale prices of children, she refused to comment, stating she would only speak in the presence of her lawyer.
Raphael Junior Agwu, a 35-year-old accomplice, described his role as a housekeeper and errand runner, insisting he was unaware of any criminal activity. "I met her early last year and she took me in. I work with her, and I never knew it's a crime because I see it like helping families," he said. Agwu also confirmed that negotiations for baby sales were conducted via Facebook through agents.
The NSCDC continues to investigate the case, emphasizing the need for vigilance against human trafficking and illegal adoption rings in Nigeria.
