NSCDC uncovers alleged baby factory in Owerri, rescues pregnant women, newborns

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Imo State says it has uncovered a suspected child-trafficking operation in Owerri, where five pregnant women and five newborn babies were rescued during a security raid.

Officials also arrested two suspects believed to be connected to the facility where the illegal activity allegedly took place.

The Imo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Basil Igwebueze, made this known on Saturday while speaking with journalists in Owerri about recent operations carried out by the command.

According to him, the suspects were identified as Tochukwu Ogaranya, 52, and Godwin Nnamdi, 47. Both men were apprehended at an orphanage located in the World Bank area of the state capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the commandant explained how the operation started. He said an officer of the corps noticed a pregnant teenager attempting to escape from the compound. The incident raised suspicion among security personnel.

“This prompted my officers to move into action at the orphanage, arrest the owner of the orphanage and rescue the pregnant women and newborn babies,” he said.

Igwebueze described child trafficking as a “heinous crime.” He warned that the corps would not allow such illegal activities to continue in the state.

He also praised residents who supplied information that helped security officials uncover the suspected operation. He urged members of the public to stay alert and report suspicious activities within their communities.

“If the residents of the state had not assisted us with the necessary information, the command would not have uncovered such a criminal act,” Igwebueze said.

However, the owner of the orphanage, Ogaranya, denied involvement in child trafficking. She maintained that the facility operates legally and has the required certification.

She explained that a 33-year-old woman identified as Chiamaka arrived at the orphanage while pregnant after she fled from a man who impregnated her in Abia State.

Ogaranya said she contacted the police about the situation. She added that officers indicated they would accompany the woman to Abia in order to apprehend the man responsible for the pregnancy.

According to her, workers later informed her that the woman had escaped from the orphanage premises.

She said the woman “scaled the fence of the compound and was later caught by the local vigilantes.”

Chiamaka, who is from Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, also gave her account of the incident. She said someone introduced her to the orphanage but she could hardly identify the person.

She explained that the individual told her she could give birth at the facility and later sell the baby.

Chiamaka said she eventually felt uneasy about the arrangement. She decided to flee from the premises after she could no longer endure the situation.

She said she “scaled the fence and ran away for her dear life.”

Igwebueze stated that investigations are ongoing. He added that the suspects will be charged in court.

The commandant also reaffirmed the corps’ determination to combat child trafficking and other crimes. He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information.