Lagos State Security Corps Discovers Illicit Child Trafficking Operation in Badagry

In a daring overnight operation, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, dismantled a notorious baby factory at Okuju, Ilado, Road 1, Zone 1 Area of Olorunda, Badagry, in Lagos State, apprehending 2 suspects and liberating 28 victims in the process.

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The operation was a direct result of the Commandant General, NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Audi's directive to all State commandants to leverage technology-driven intelligence in combating criminal activities, particularly in Lagos State.

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According to the State Commandant, NSCDC, Lagos State Command, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, the command's operatives conducted a strategic surveillance operation that lasted for three weeks, culminating in the busting of the syndicate between Wednesday, 15th and Thursday, 16th April.

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The arrest of the 2 suspects and rescue of the 28 victims, including 17 heavily pregnant women, one male adult, and 10 children, was made possible by a carefully mounted surveillance, as revealed by the Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, Lagos State Command, Oluwaseun Abolurin.

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The victims were allegedly lured into the baby factory through a Facebook account that targeted pregnant women willing to sell their babies to interested buyers for between N500,000 and N1,000,000 after delivery.

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Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the victims suffered a miscarriage due to the unhealthy environmental conditions she was exposed to, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by the victims.

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A range of items was recovered from the crime scene, including a pumping machine, a generator set, six standing fans, two gas cylinders, a burner, two large cooking pots, five android phones, four large mats, and assorted food items.

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The State Commandant, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, vehemently condemned the inhumane and barbaric act, stating that the suspects and victims have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation.

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Keshinro assured the public that the culprits will be held accountable for their actions, bringing a sense of justice to the victims and their families.