The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a baby factory operating in the Ijegun area of the state, rescuing 10 victims and arresting three suspects in the process.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the development on Monday, stating that the discovery was made following a credible tip-off received on Saturday.
“Our officers acted swiftly on the intelligence, stormed the location, and arrested one Mariam Vincent, 35, who is the principal suspect, along with Orie Ruth, 23, and Ujunwa Ifeanyi, 18,” Hundeyin disclosed.
During the operation, police rescued seven adult women and three children, including Destiny (7), Miracle (5), and Success (2). The adult victims were identified as Precious (24), Magdalene (25), Adaobi (23), Princess (22), Ifeanyi (25), and Amaka (26).
“All ten victims are now safe and receiving appropriate medical attention and psychological support,” Hundeyin said, adding that preliminary investigations revealed the victims were kidnapped from various parts of Lagos and held for the illegal operation.
He further noted, “The suspects confessed during interrogation that they abducted the women and children to run an illegal baby factory. The case is still under thorough investigation and the suspects will be arraigned soon.”
In a broader update on law enforcement actions over the past fortnight, Hundeyin revealed that a total of 39 suspects had been apprehended for offenses ranging from murder and armed robbery to rape, child theft, vandalism, drug trafficking, and operating illegal baby factories.
In a separate incident, the command also reported the rescue of two kidnap victims from Igbe Alagemo in the Ijede area of Ikorodu.
The victims were abducted on March 26 during a night raid by armed men who stormed the quiet community.
According to Hundeyin, “The kidnappers first attacked the home of a 40-year-old man named Dare, killing his security dog and forcefully taking him. They then moved to another house nearby where they abducted 25-year-old Rodiat under similarly violent circumstances.”
Following three days of intense tracking and coordination with local vigilantes and security operatives, the victims were rescued around 11:56 p.m. on March 29 and safely reunited with their families.
“The community has regained some calm, but surveillance continues as we work to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” Hundeyin assured.