OPERATIVES of the Mowe Division of the Ogun State Police Command, through an intelligence-led operation, have dismantled an illegal ‘baby factory’ syndicate at Abaren Village, Mowe, rescuing two heavily pregnant women and four children in the process.
News Point Nigeria reports that the operation also led to the arrest of six suspects identified as Florence Ogbona, 58; Magdalene Julius, 63; Chidike Egwuonwu, 40; Onyechu Chidike, 35; Stephen Ogbona, 39; and an attending nurse, Oseni Idaya.
The spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, saying the arrest of the alleged members of the baby factory syndicate represented a significant breakthrough in the command’s ongoing fight against human trafficking and child exploitation.
Babaseyi said the operation was carried out on August 24, 2026, at about 8:00 a.m., when operatives acting on sustained intelligence stormed the syndicate’s hideout located at Toluwalase Street, Abaren Village, via Gbarinmole, a suburb of Mowe.
He said preliminary investigation had revealed that human trafficking and illegal adoption activities had allegedly been occurring at the facility over time.
Babaseyi said, “During the raid, operatives safely rescued two pregnant victims: Ilesanmi Foluke ‘f’ (23), seven months pregnant, and Ejekwa Melody ‘f’ (20), eight months pregnant. Four young children, comprising two males and two females, were also recovered from the scene.”
He explained that further intelligence-led follow-up operations led officers of the command to a hospital within the Mowe axis, where another victim, Blessing Bright Effiong, 26, had given birth to a baby boy on August 20, 2026.
According to him, while the mother was receiving medical care, the whereabouts of the newborn child could not be accounted for, prompting the arrest of the attending nurse in an attempt to locate the infant.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, to establish the full extent of the alleged syndicate’s activities, locate the missing newborn and ensure the prosecution of every culpable suspect.
Babaseyi noted that the public would be kept informed as further developments unfold.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operational efficiency and prompt response of the Mowe Division operatives in uncovering the alleged illegal activities of those reported to be operating the baby factory.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to stamping out human trafficking, child trading and all forms of violent crime across Ogun State.
The Commissioner further urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the police by providing timely and credible information, assuring them that the command would sustain intelligence-led policing to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens.
Members of the public are encouraged to promptly report suspicious persons or activities through the following channels: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency Lines: 09164859299 and 09154293464.