Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps busts baby factory in Lagos, rescues 18 pregnant women and 10 children
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, have uncovered a baby factory in Okuju, Ilado, Badagry, Lagos. The operation led to the rescue of 18 pregnant women and 10 children, and the arrest of the facility's operators, Joy Okeke and Raphael Agwu. The victims, aged 18 to 30, reportedly subscribed to the facility through an offer on Facebook. Upon delivery, their children were sold for N500,000 to N1.8 million, with the mothers receiving payment. Some rescued women had also brought their existing children to be sold. Commandant Adedotun Keshinro stated that the NSCDC acted on three weeks of intelligence, describing the operation as targeting a "grievous crime against humanity." The operators allegedly entice pregnant women with offers of payment for their babies. One of the 18 rescued women had a miscarriage, leaving 17 still pregnant. The operators will be handed over to the police for prosecution, and the victims to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons. Okeke, the chief operator, claimed she adopted children for childless individuals and had moved from Ikorodu for a larger apartment. Agwu stated that the center offered an alternative to abortion and helped childless couples, with agents on online groups proposing the arrangement. He mentioned that women came to the facility already pregnant and signed agreements for their babies to be sold in exchange for compensation, often around N1 million. The women claim
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State welcomed 13-year-old Chimdiebube Onwubiko Victor, an International STEM Olympiad champion, after his performance at the 2026 International STEM Olympiad in Rome, Italy. Chimdiebube secured a gold medal in Mathematics and a silver medal in Science. Governor Mbah announced this on social media, highlighting the achievement as a proud moment for Enugu State and Nigeria. He commended Chimdiebube, his Mathematics teacher Chisom Unachukwu, and Evergreen Schools for nurturing the young talent. The governor reiterated his administration's dedication to enhancing education through the Smart Green Schools initiative, aiming to provide opportunities for children in Enugu to realize their potential. Chimdiebube was one of three Nigerian students who excelled at the Olympiad, which took place from July 2 to 8 and featured participants from over 150 countries. Other Nigerian medalists included Don Anele Munachimso Marvelous, who won double gold in Mathematics and Science and was named the World's Best in Science, and 11-year-old Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan, who won gold in Mathematics and was recognized as the World's Best in Primary Mathematics.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, Sector 2, successfully thwarted an extortion attempt by Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province in Yobe State. Acting on intelligence, soldiers from Forward Operating Base Bukarti and 27 Task Force Brigade engaged terrorists attempting to collect illegal levies from residents in the Paya Kafiya area on July 19, 2026. During the confrontation, one terrorist was killed, and a Volkswagen Golf vehicle was immobilized. Four other terrorists fled with gunshot wounds. Follow-up operations on July 20 along the Paya Kafiya-Garin Gada axis led to the recovery of the abandoned vehicle and various items, including 25 rounds of belted PKT ammunition, a loaded AK-47 magazine, 15 empty PKT ammunition cases, assorted drugs, and mechanical tools. According to Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, this operation disrupted a suspected funding source for the terrorists and demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations.
Must ReadPlateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has apologized to the Igbo community for the state's involvement in the Nigerian Civil War, stating that the people of Plateau were "deceived" into participating. During an interactive session with Igbo leaders, Governor Mutfwang urged both sides to move past the conflict and strengthen unity. He commended the Igbo community for their contributions to Plateau State's socio-economic development, describing them as integral to the state's growth. The governor noted that Plateau has been accommodating to the Igbo people since the war and mentioned that compensation had been paid for some losses. He appealed to Igbo entrepreneurs in Plateau State to support indigenous businesses by creating opportunities for young people through mentorship and investment. In response, leaders of the Igbo community, including President-General Chief Chidi Onah, endorsed Governor Mutfwang for a second term in the 2027 governorship election, citing his inclusive leadership, prudent resource management, and commitment to peaceful coexistence. Former President-General of the Igbo Community Association, Mike Okunonke, emphasized that their support was based on the governor's performance. The governor's Special Adviser on Igbo Affairs, Barr. Jonah Okechukwu Ezekweme, also urged support for Mutfwang's re-election bid. The meeting concluded with both the Plateau State Government and the Igbo community reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence and collaborat