NSCDC raids Lagos baby factory in Badagry, rescues 28 victims, arrests suspects, and exposes trafficking network linked to social media recruitment scam.
A major breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking has been recorded as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) uncovered and dismantled a suspected baby factory syndicate operating in the Badagry axis of Lagos State, rescuing 28 victims during a carefully executed intelligence-led operation.
The rescue mission, carried out by operatives of the NSCDC, followed weeks of discreet surveillance and intelligence gathering that eventually exposed a hidden facility used for illegal confinement and exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
The operation has since been described as one of the most coordinated crackdowns on human trafficking networks in recent times within Lagos State.
According to official disclosures from the Corps, the illegal facility was located in the Okuju, Ilado area of Olorunda in Badagry.
The NSCDC confirmed that the raid took place between April 15 and 16, 2026, after approximately three weeks of continuous monitoring of suspicious activities linked to the location.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, explained that intelligence reports played a crucial role in tracking the operation.
He noted that the suspects had been operating discreetly while using deceptive online recruitment tactics to lure victims into the network.
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During a briefing, Lagos State Commandant Adedotun Keshinro revealed the disturbing condition in which the victims were found.
He stated that 17 of the rescued individuals were heavily pregnant women, while the remaining 11 were made up of children, infants, and one adult male.
The NSCDC further confirmed that many of the victims had been confined under inhumane and unsanitary conditions, with little or no access to proper medical care.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate allegedly used Facebook-based advertisements and private messaging schemes to target vulnerable pregnant women.
Victims were reportedly promised financial compensation ranging between ₦500,000 and ₦1,000,000 after childbirth. However, these promises were used as bait to trap them in exploitative conditions.
Authorities expressed concern that the scheme was not only deceptive but also dangerous to the health and lives of those involved.
The NSCDC reported that one of the pregnant women suffered a miscarriage due to severe neglect and lack of medical attention while in captivity.
During the operation, several items believed to support the illegal activities were recovered from the facility.
These included mobile phones, cooking utensils, gas cylinders, a generator set, and other household materials used to sustain the operation and conceal its activities.
The NSCDC confirmed that two suspects were arrested in connection with the case and have since been taken into custody for further interrogation.
Both the suspects and the rescued victims have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for continued investigation and possible prosecution.
Reacting to the success of the operation, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, praised the officers involved for their professionalism and commitment.
He described the operation as a clear demonstration of the Corps’ evolving intelligence-driven policing strategy aimed at combating organised crime across the country.
He further emphasized that the Corps would continue to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies to dismantle trafficking networks and other criminal enterprises operating within Nigeria.
According to him, the success of this operation reflects the importance of intelligence sharing and proactive policing.
The Lagos State Command also issued a public warning urging residents to be cautious of online recruitment offers and financial inducements that appear too good to be true.
The NSCDC advised members of the public to verify any suspicious job or assistance schemes before engagement, especially those targeting pregnant women and vulnerable individuals.
Officials stressed that community awareness remains a key factor in preventing such crimes.
They encouraged citizens to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies to enable quick intervention.
The NSCDC reiterated its commitment to intensifying surveillance operations across Lagos and other parts of the country to ensure that similar criminal networks are identified and dismantled before causing further harm.
In conclusion, the operation marks a significant victory in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against human trafficking.
The coordinated effort by the NSCDC, alongside partner agencies, highlights the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement strategies in tackling hidden criminal networks.
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