Africa ( Commonwealth Union) _ Nigerian police recently conducted a raid on a suspected “baby factory” in Rivers state, successfully rescuing six pregnant women, as reported by local media. The authorities apprehended a 39-year-old woman who is believed to be the owner of the alleged child trafficking facility. Upon her arrest, the suspect confessed to her involvement in the heinous crime and revealed her long-standing engagement in the trafficking business.
The State Commissioner of Police, Polycarp Emeka, confirmed the detention of the primary suspect and her accomplice, who are currently in custody. A thorough investigation is underway to identify and apprehend any additional individuals linked to the criminal network.
In Nigeria, the term “baby factory” refers to criminal activity involving the operation of facilities where young women are held against their will and forced to bear children. These children are then often sold illegally, either domestically or internationally, for adoption or other purposes. It is a form of human trafficking and exploitation that violates human rights and is considered a serious crime.
Rivers State, located in the southern part of Nigeria, has unfortunately been associated with cases of baby factories in the past. These facilities are typically disguised as maternity homes or clinics, but they are actually operating for illegal purposes. The women held in these establishments are often subjected to deplorable living conditions and are coerced or forced into getting pregnant multiple times.
Law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, along with various human rights organizations, have been working to combat the issue of baby factories in the country. Raids have been conducted to shut down these illegal operations, and those responsible for running them are arrested and prosecuted.
This disturbing practice has plagued the country for some time, with similar cases coming to light in the past.
In 2019, the Nigerian police rescued 19 pregnant women from properties in Lagos that were identified as “baby factories.” In the preceding year, over 160 children were rescued from two unregistered orphanages in the city, shedding light on the widespread nature of this illicit trade.
