Anambra Government raids resurrected baby factory, rescues teenage girls

The Anambra State Government, in collaboration with security agencies, has raided a suspected baby factory that was previously shut down in February 2024. The illegal facility, posing as Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity, is located at No. 1 School Road, Tansian University, Umunya, in Oyi Local Government Area.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the facility had earlier been sealed on February 7, 2024, when six pregnant teenagers were rescued. The alleged operator, Odili Ossai—a self-proclaimed doctor from Delta State—remained at large at the time.

Addressing the media after Saturday’s raid, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, revealed that the operation followed months of surveillance and was executed in partnership with security forces and the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade).

“The so-called hospital operated with a falsified license and was involved in the trafficking and exploitation of young girls aged 15, 19, and 21,” Obidike said. “Many victims were held against their will and forced into pregnancies, with the infants sold to illegal adoption syndicates.”

Several teenage girls and infants were rescued during the recent raid. They are now receiving medical care and psychological support.

Obidike confirmed that arrests were made and investigations have commenced. Suspects will face charges including human trafficking, unlawful detention, and child exploitation.

Describing the raid as a major win in the fight against human trafficking and gender-based abuse, the commissioner reaffirmed the state’s resolve to clamp down on unlicensed medical practices.

“Our Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit, along with the Anti-Quackery Taskforce, is actively working to identify and shut down illegal clinics,” he said. “We call on the public to report any suspicious healthcare operations. Anambra State will not tolerate threats to public health and human dignity.”