By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS – New, disturbing details have emerged following a successful raid on a suspected "baby factory" in the Okuju-Ilado area of Olorunda LCDA, Badagry. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has revealed that the criminal syndicate behind the operation used social media to lure vulnerable pregnant women with massive cash offers.
According to Lagos State Commandant Adedotun Keshinro, the suspects allegedly leveraged Facebook to reach out to expectant mothers, promising them between N500,000 and N1 million in exchange for their babies after delivery.
The investigation into the residential facility in Badagry has exposed how modern technology is being weaponised for human trafficking. Commandant Keshinro alleged that the suspects specifically targeted women facing financial hardship, using the lure of life-changing sums of money to convince them to part with their newborns.
"The suspects used a Facebook account to attract pregnant women, promising payments ranging from N500,000 to N1 million for their babies," the Commandant stated during a briefing on the operation.
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The financial inducement served as the primary bait, drawing women from various locations to the secluded facility in Olorunda LCDA, where they were kept until delivery.
Following a tip-off and intelligence gathering, NSCDC operatives stormed the building in Okuju-Ilado, community of Badagry. The operation resulted in the rescue of multiple pregnant women and several other individuals who were reportedly being held or processed as part of the illegal trade.
Commandant Keshinro confirmed that the facility functioned as a commercial hub for child trafficking, masquerading as a residential home to evade the eyes of local authorities. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention and psychological support as the Corps continues its crackdown on the syndicate.
The NSCDC has intensified its investigation to track down the network of buyers and any additional accomplices linked to the Facebook recruitment scheme. This case highlights a growing trend in Lagos where traffickers move their operations to the outskirts of the state to avoid detection.