The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Imo State Command has successfully uncovered a baby factory in the Owerri West Local Government Area, apprehending a 52-year-old woman named Tochukwu Ogaranya along with an accomplice.
Additionally, five pregnant women, aged between 25 and 33, were rescued from the location during the operation.
The NSCDC Commandant in Imo, Mr. Basil Igwebueze, announced this discovery in Owerri on Saturday, March 14, 2026, while addressing journalists, noting that five newborns were also retrieved from the suspects.
Igwebueze revealed that the suspects, including a 47-year-old alleged accomplice named Godwin Nnamdi, were found at an orphanage purportedly engaged in the sale of babies.
He explained that the investigation was prompted when one of his officers noticed a pregnant teen fleeing from the orphanage located in the World Bank area of Owerri, the capital city of Imo.
“This prompted my officers to take immediate action at the orphanage, detaining the proprietor and rescuing both the expectant mothers and the newborns,” he stated.
Igwebueze condemned child trafficking, labeling it a “heinous crime,” and called on residents of Imo to report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities without hesitation.
He emphasized, “Had the citizens not provided us with crucial information, this illegal operation might have gone unnoticed.”
Ogaranya, however, defended her orphanage, asserting that it was legitimate and denied any involvement in child trafficking. She recounted the instance of a pregnant 33-year-old identified as Chiamaka, who had entered the orphanage after reportedly fleeing from her abuser in Abia.
Ogaranya mentioned that the police had been contacted to assist in apprehending the individual who impregnated Chiamaka.
She expressed her shock upon learning that Chiamaka had attempted to escape the premises and was later apprehended by local vigilantes.
Chiamaka, a resident of Ikeduru Local Government Area, disclosed that she had been introduced to the orphanage by a person she could barely recall, where it was suggested she could give birth and sell the child.
Feeling overwhelmed by her circumstances, she ultimately decided to scale the fence and flee for her life.
Igwebueze concluded by stating that the suspects would be brought to justice through prosecution.
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