The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Imo State has uncovered a shocking baby factory operation in Owerri West Local Government Area, rescuing five pregnant women and several newborn babies from what officials described as a criminal enterprise disguised as an orphanage.
The command arrested 52-year-old Tochukwu Ogaranya, who owns the facility, alongside her suspected accomplice, 47-year-old Godwin Nnamdi. The pregnant women, aged between 25 and 33 years, were found at the premises during the operation.
How the Baby Factory Was Discovered
Speaking to journalists in Owerri on Saturday, March 14, 2026, the NSCDC Commandant in Imo State, Mr. Basil Igwebueze, revealed how the syndicate was exposed through the sharp observation of one of his officers.
“On March 14, one of my officers saw a pregnant teenager running away from the orphanage at the World Bank area of Owerri,” Igwebueze explained. “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.”
The timely intervention led to the rescue of five newborn babies alongside the pregnant women who were allegedly being held at the facility for sinister purposes.
Owner Denies Allegations
Despite the weight of evidence against her, Ogaranya has denied involvement in child trafficking, insisting that her orphanage is certified and legitimate.
She recounted the story of one of the pregnant women, a 33-year-old identified simply as Chiamaka, who she claimed came to the orphanage pregnant after allegedly escaping from the man responsible for her pregnancy in Abia State.
According to Ogaranya, she had even contacted the police to help Chiamaka return to Abia to arrest the man. However, she expressed surprise when her workers informed her that Chiamaka had scaled the fence and attempted to escape, only to be caught by local vigilantes.
Pregnant Woman’s Disturbing Confession
But Chiamaka, who hails from Ikeduru Local Government Area, told a different story entirely. She revealed that someone introduced her to the orphanage with a clear understanding: she would deliver her baby there and then sell the child to an unnamed person.
“When I felt that I could no longer cope with the situation at the orphanage, I scaled the fence and ran away for my dear life,” Chiamaka confessed.
Her testimony paints a disturbing picture of how vulnerable women are lured into these baby factories with promises or arrangements that ultimately trap them in criminal operations.
Commandant Calls for Community Vigilance
Describing child trafficking as a “heinous crime,” Commandant Igwebueze appealed to Imo residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
“Say something when you see something,” he urged, emphasizing the critical role community members play in exposing criminal operations.
He praised residents for providing the intelligence that led to the breakthrough, noting that without their cooperation, the command might not have uncovered the baby factory.
“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 stated.
What Happens Next?
The commandant confirmed that all suspects arrested in connection with the operation will be arraigned in court to face prosecution for their alleged involvement in child trafficking.
The rescued pregnant women and newborn babies are now in the custody of relevant authorities who will provide necessary care and support.
The Growing Menace of Baby Factories in Nigeria
This latest discovery adds to the growing list of baby factories uncovered across Nigeria, particularly in the Southeast region. These illegal operations typically target vulnerable young women—often those facing poverty, social stigma, or abandonment—and exploit their circumstances for profit.
Babies born in these facilities are usually sold to individuals seeking to adopt children through illegal means or, in more sinister cases, for ritual purposes.
The NSCDC’s successful operation in Owerri serves as a reminder that security agencies are intensifying efforts to combat this crime. However, lasting success will require continued community alertness and prompt reporting of suspicious activities.
If you notice anything unusual in your neighborhood—especially activities around so-called orphanages or homes where multiple pregnant women are kept—do not hesitate to contact security agencies. Your vigilance could save innocent lives.
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