The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled an illegal baby factory operating in the Ijegun area of the state. Officers rescued ten victims—including three children—and arrested three suspects allegedly running the operation. Police spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the raid in a statement on Monday, revealing that the operation followed a credible tip-off received on Saturday, April 6.

Police Act Swiftly on Intelligence

Acting on the tip, police officers conducted a well-coordinated raid on the premises. During the operation, they arrested the alleged ringleader, 35-year-old Mariam Vincent, along with her two accomplices, Orie Ruth (23) and Ujunwa Ifeanyi (18).

Hundeyin stated, “During the raid, the police found and rescued seven adult women and three children aged seven, five, and two.” He confirmed that officers rescued all the victims in stable condition and immediately placed them under protective custody to receive medical and psychological care.

Identities of the Victims Revealed

The police identified the rescued adult women as:

• Precious (24)

• Magdalene (25)

• Adaobi (23)

• Princess (22)

• Ifeanyi (25)

• Amaka (26)

The three rescued children are:

• Destiny (7)

• Miracle (5)

• Success (2)

According to Hundeyin, all the victims are currently receiving appropriate support and rehabilitation. “The victims are safe and receiving adequate care from the relevant government agencies and social services,” he said.

Suspects Confess to Kidnapping

During initial interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to abducting the victims from different parts of Lagos State. Police believe the group lured or forcefully took the women to exploit them in the operation of the baby factory. Hundeyin noted that investigators are working to determine how long the factory had been in operation and to uncover additional links to human trafficking syndicates.

Authorities are currently expanding the investigation to identify potential buyers and others who may have benefited from the illegal activities. “We will not stop until all individuals connected to this heinous operation face justice,” Hundeyin added.

Legal Proceedings Underway

The police plan to charge the suspects in court once the investigation concludes. Prosecutors are expected to file charges related to human trafficking, child abuse, abduction, and operating an illegal maternity facility.

The Lagos State Police Command has emphasized that this case reflects a broader issue of human trafficking and child exploitation in urban and rural communities. Authorities warned that such criminal enterprises often operate covertly and rely on silence or fear among victims and residents.

Public Urged to Stay Vigilant

The police urged Lagos residents to remain alert and report suspicious activities, especially concerning children and vulnerable women. Hundeyin said, “We call on members of the public to support our efforts by reporting any unusual movements or suspected illegal operations to the nearest police station.”

He reminded citizens that combating crimes like human trafficking requires collaboration between law enforcement and the community. The state’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has also pledged support to the rescued victims and committed to their long-term reintegration into society.

Growing Concerns Over Baby Factories in Nigeria

This incident adds to the growing concern about the rise of baby factories in Nigeria—illegal facilities where women are often forced to give birth, and their newborns are sold illegally. Over the past decade, law enforcement has uncovered similar operations in states such as Abia, Imo, Enugu, and Ogun, often involving organized networks and complicity from insiders in health institutions.

Despite laws against human trafficking, baby factories remain a persistent issue in parts of the country, driven by poverty, cultural stigma around infertility, and lack of education. Advocacy groups have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of existing laws, comprehensive sex education, and community awareness campaigns to curb the trend.

Next Steps

Authorities have assured the public that they will prosecute everyone involved in the Ijegun case and provide long-term assistance to the victims. As investigations continue, security agencies are expected to collaborate with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other stakeholders to crack down on similar operations across the country.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but pressure is mounting for state officials to address the systemic failures that allow such operations to flourish.

Conclusion

The Lagos State Police Command’s swift response to the Ijegun baby factory case demonstrates a strong stance against human trafficking and illegal maternity operations. However, this case also highlights the urgent need for a broader, more coordinated response from government institutions, civil society, and local communities to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable people across the state.