AWKUZU, Nigeria (FN) — Police in southeastern Nigeria have arrested four women suspected of child trafficking and rescued a one-week-old baby girl during a raid on an unregistered maternity home, authorities said Tuesday.
The operation was carried out by the Rapid Response Squad of the Anambra State Police Command in the early hours of Tuesday, following credible intelligence. Officers stormed a facility known as Mama Maternity, located in Ifite-Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area.
According to a statement from police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects allegedly conspired to purchase the newborn for 1.7 million naira (approximately 1,900 dollar). The baby was found during the raid and taken into protective custody.
The arrested women were identified as Elizabeth Okafor, 62; Esther Nweke, 48; Ngozi Maanfa, 45; and Peace Elijah Moses, 25. Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had coordinated the illegal transaction among themselves.
“The command is committed to dismantling child trafficking networks and ensuring the safety of vulnerable children,” Ikenga said. He added that the suspects are cooperating with investigators and will face prosecution once the inquiry is complete.
Reacting to the arrests, Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, condemned the act and pledged full support for the rescued infant. “This is a heartbreaking case, and we will ensure the baby receives proper care and protection,” she said.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) also issued a statement praising the police operation and warning against the rise of illegal maternity homes. “We urge communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious facilities,” said NAPTIP Director-General Fatima Waziri-Azi.
Child rights advocates have called for stronger regulation of private maternity homes and adoption procedures. “This case highlights the urgent need for oversight and reform,” said Ngozi Umeh, a child welfare activist based in Enugu. “We must protect vulnerable children from being commodified.”
The incident comes amid growing concern over the proliferation of so-called “baby factories” in parts of Nigeria, where women are allegedly recruited to give birth for the purpose of selling infants. Law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to shut down such operations.
The rescued infant is receiving medical attention and will be placed under the care of the state’s Ministry of Women and Social Welfare. Officials have urged residents to report suspicious maternity homes and child-related activities to authorities.
