Security operatives have uncovered an alleged illegal maternity home in Imo, rescuing five pregnant women and five newborn babies in a raid carried out in Owerri.
The operation was conducted by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in collaboration with other security agencies following intelligence reports about suspicious activities at the facility.
The State Commandant of the corps in Imo, Mr Basil Igwebueze, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Owerri, the state capital.
Igwebueze said the facility, located around the World Bank area of the city, was allegedly being used as a baby factory where vulnerable women were kept and babies possibly trafficked.
According to him, the raid was triggered after an officer of the corps noticed a pregnant woman attempting to escape from the premises of the suspected illegal maternity home.
He said the officer immediately alerted other operatives, who moved swiftly to the location and carried out a search of the facility.
“The command uncovered the illegal maternity home and rescued five pregnant women as well as five newborn babies from the premises,” he said.
Igwebueze added that two suspects, including the owner of the facility and an alleged accomplice, were arrested during the operation and are currently in custody.
He described the act as a serious offence, noting that such illegal homes often serve as fronts for human trafficking and child-selling syndicates.
The commandant said the suspects would be prosecuted after investigations were concluded.
He also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious facilities or activities in their communities to security agencies.
“This kind of criminal activity thrives when people keep silent. Community members must work with security agencies to expose such illegal operations,” he said.
One of the suspects, however, denied the allegations, insisting that the facility was a registered orphanage and not a baby factory.
The suspect claimed that one of the pregnant women had sought refuge at the home after fleeing from the man responsible for her pregnancy.
Meanwhile, the rescued women and babies have been taken into protective custody and are expected to receive medical attention while authorities continue investigations into the case.
