The Anambra State Government has shut down a notorious baby factory that had been operating under the guise of a hospital in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area.
The illegal operation, which posed as “Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity,” was uncovered and sealed off during a joint sting operation involving the state’s Ministry of Health and security agencies.
Located at 1 School Road, near Tansian University in Umunya, the unlicensed facility was raided and sealed on Saturday, following a coordinated enforcement exercise that began on Friday. The operation was the result of months of surveillance and intelligence gathering targeted at cracking down on human trafficking and medical quackery in the state.
During the raid, officials arrested 15 individuals, including five pregnant women and key staff members of the facility. Preliminary findings revealed that the so-called hospital had been operating with a falsified medical licence and was managed by a self-acclaimed doctor, who is reportedly a native of Delta State.
Speaking at the scene, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, expressed deep concern over the horrifying activities taking place behind the walls of the illegal centre. He confirmed that the facility was being used for unethical and criminal practices including child trafficking, unlawful confinement, and exploitation of vulnerable young girls aged between 15 and 21.
Dr. Obidike revealed that many of the young women were held against their will, forced into pregnancies, and that their newborns were sold to illegal adoption rings. “This crackdown is a major breakthrough in our ongoing campaign against gender-based abuse, child trafficking, and human rights violations,” he stated.
He emphasized that the Anambra State Government is fully committed to eradicating all forms of medical malpractice and unapproved health facilities. He credited the success of the operation to the combined efforts of the Ministry’s regulatory units and law enforcement agencies.
“This action underscores the importance of collaboration between health regulators and security personnel. We are determined to rid our state of fake medical practitioners and criminal enterprises that prey on the vulnerable,” he added.
The Commissioner further highlighted the key role of the State Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit, as well as the State Illegal and Anti-Quackery Taskforce Team—both of which were established to track down and dismantle unauthorized healthcare centres across Anambra.
He called on the public to support the government’s efforts by reporting any suspicious or unlicensed healthcare activities in their communities.
“We are issuing a stern warning to operators of illegal medical centres: shut down now or face the full wrath of the law. We will not compromise the safety and dignity of our people,” Obidike warned.
Joining him at the scene of the operation was the Acting Director of Medical Services, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, along with other senior officials from the state health ministry.
Several teenage girls and infants rescued during the raid are now under the care of the government, receiving urgent medical attention and psychological support.
Meanwhile, the state has launched a full-scale investigation into the case, with all suspects expected to be charged with offenses including human trafficking, child abuse, and illegal medical operations.
The government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on unlicensed medical facilities and vowed to continue its clampdown on all forms of exploitation and health sector malpractice across Anambra State.