The Imo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a suspected baby factory in Owerri West Local Government Area, arresting a 52-year-old woman, Tochukwu Ogaranya, and an alleged accomplice.
Five pregnant women, aged between 25 and 33, were also rescued from the facility.
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Basil Igwebueze, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Owerri on Saturday, March 14, 2026. He said five newborn babies were also rescued from the suspects.
Igwebueze said the suspects, including an alleged accomplice identified as Godwin Nnamdi, 47, were apprehended at an orphanage where they were allegedly carrying out the illegal operation.
According to him, the operation followed an incident on March 14 when one of his officers noticed a pregnant teenager fleeing from the orphanage located in the World Bank area of Owerri, the Imo State capital.
“This prompted my officers to move into action at the orphanage, arrest the owner and rescue the pregnant women and newborn babies,” he said.
The commandant described child trafficking as a heinous crime and urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
He appealed to members of the public to promptly inform security agencies whenever they notice suspicious persons or activities.
“If residents had not provided us with useful information, the command would not have uncovered such a criminal act,” he said.
However, the owner of the orphanage, Ogaranya, denied the allegations, insisting that the facility was duly registered and not involved in child trafficking.
She narrated that a 33-year-old woman identified as Chiamaka had arrived at the orphanage while pregnant after allegedly fleeing from the man responsible for her pregnancy in Abia State.
According to her, she had contacted the police, who promised to accompany Chiamaka to Abia to arrest the man involved.
She said she was later informed by her workers that Chiamaka had scaled the fence of the compound and fled before she was eventually caught by local vigilantes.
Chiamaka, who is from Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, claimed that she was introduced to the orphanage by someone she barely knew, who told her she could deliver her baby there and sell the child.
She said she later decided to escape after feeling she could no longer cope with the situation at the facility.
Igwebueze said the suspects would be charged in court after investigations are concluded.
