By: Karen James
— Baby Factory Exposed in High-Stakes Sting Operation as Police Vow Unrelenting Crackdown on Traffickers
Zone-13 Headquarters, Ukpo — In a decisive and intelligence-led operation, the Zonal Intelligence Department (ZID) of the Nigeria Police, Zone-13 Command, has smashed a deadly child-stealing and trafficking syndicate operating across southeastern Nigeria.
The daring sting operation, which took place on June 20, 2025, led to the arrest of eight (8) suspects from different locations. Among those arrested were Uzoamaka Ani (27), Joy Madu (52), and Victoria Onodu Akasike (56)—key players in a sinister network engaged in child theft, human trafficking, illegal adoptions, baby factory activities, and the operation of unlicensed medical centres.
During intense interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to multiple criminal acts, including conspiracy, abduction, sale of infants, abuse of vulnerable persons, and running baby factories for financial gain.
In a heart-wrenching but successful rescue effort, operatives recovered a 7-month-old baby and a 4-year-old child from a remote village hideout.
Additionally, two heavily pregnant women from Ebonyi State were freed from captivity, where they were allegedly being held against their will for the sole purpose of birthing babies for sale.
The syndicate’s shocking operations stretched across multiple communities, and the impact of their arrest marks a significant victory in the fight against child trafficking in Nigeria.
Zone-13 Police say a manhunt is actively underway to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate. All suspects in custody will be arraigned in court, and law enforcement vows to follow every lead until the entire criminal network is uprooted.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Abayomi Peter Oladipo, who leads the Zone-13 Command, applauded the gallantry of the operatives and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to the protection of vulnerable lives.
“Let it be known that Zone-13 remains a hostile ground for child traffickers and all criminal elements. We will continue to pursue justice for every victim and rid our communities of those who prey on the innocent,” AIG Oladipo declared.
The public has been urged to maintain vigilance and support the Police by reporting suspicious activities to nearby stations or directly to the Zonal Command.
Collective efforts, the Police said, are key to eliminating criminal syndicates.
The operation and its details were formally communicated to journalists through CSP Ihunwo Josephine K., ANIPR, Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Zone-13 Headquarters, Ukpo.
