By Grace Zigah
A major human trafficking operation has been uncovered in the commercial capital, Lagos, where security operatives rescued 18 pregnant women and 10 children from a suspected baby factory in the Badagry area.
The operation was carried out by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, following weeks of intelligence gathering.
The raid took place in the Okuju area of Ilado and extended from Wednesday night into the early hours of Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Authorities confirmed the arrest of two suspects—Joy Okeke and Raphael Agwu—believed to be behind the illegal operation.
According to the Lagos State Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, the facility was allegedly being used to lure vulnerable pregnant women with promises of financial rewards in exchange for their babies after delivery.
Keshinro, alleged that the suspects used a Facebook account to recruit pregnant women, promising fantastic payments in exchange for their babies after delivery. Some of the women joined the scheme with their babies ready to sell them for cash.
Investigators say the women were reportedly paid agreed sums after childbirth, while the babies were taken and sold to interested buyers.
Some of the rescued victims corroborated these claims, with one stating she had been promised ₦1 million, while another said her arrangement was worth ₦1.8 million.
Of the 18 women rescued, authorities revealed that 17 are currently pregnant, while one had suffered a miscarriage prior to the raid. Several children already born were also found at the facility, allegedly being kept for sale.
The NSCDC indicated that the property used for the illegal activity may be handed over to the Lagos State Government for possible demolition to prevent further use for criminal purposes.
The suspects are expected to be transferred to the Nigeria Police for prosecution, while the rescued women and children will be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for rehabilitation and support.
However, one of the suspects, Joy Okeke, has denied any wrongdoing, claiming she was only facilitating adoptions for couples unable to conceive.
She declined to provide further details, stating she would speak only in the presence of her lawyer.
