The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against child trafficking with the dismantling of two illegal baby trafficking operations in Ekiti and Ogun States, leading to the rescue of 13 children and several pregnant women.
In Ekiti State, police operatives on January 27 uncovered an illegal baby factory operating in Ikere-Ekiti. During the operation, six children between the ages of two and nine were rescued, alongside a 21 year-old pregnant woman believed to be a victim of the trafficking scheme. Five suspects were arrested at the scene, including the alleged operator of the facility, identified as Onyechi Oluwadare.
Investigators also recovered items suspected to be used to induce labor, reinforcing concerns about organized child exploitation.
Barely two days later, another operation in Ogun State exposed a similar network.
Officers raided Joyful Kids Orphanage in the Badagry area, where seven children were rescued, along with two pregnant teenage girls. Five individuals were arrested in connection with the operation. Among the rescued children was six-year-old Samuel Honesty, who was successfully reunited with his mother after being abducted in November 2025.
According to police authorities, these illegal facilities typically target vulnerable young girls, forcing or manipulating them into pregnancy before selling the babies to desperate buyers. The police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to apprehend fleeing suspects linked to the criminal networks.
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The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to dismantling human trafficking syndicates nationwide and called on citizens to report suspicious activities involving orphanages, maternity homes, or child welfare facilities to law enforcement agencies.