At least two babies and 21 pregnant women were rescued from a ‘baby factory’ at Umunkpei Nvosi in the Isiala-Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State.
The 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, during a raid on the baby factory on Sunday, carried out the rescue operation.
According to the Army, 22 women alongside the two babies were found at the baby factory which was said to be operated by an indigene of the community.
The troop mentioned that they busted the factory based on an intelligence report that the “factory” was into child trafficking and body part sale.
The troop added that the owner of the facility is currently on the run, but efforts are ongoing to apprehend her.
Meanwhile, a 34-year-old chef at the facility, Katherine Ngwanma, was arrested by the troops.
The pregnant women, as well as the babies, have been handed over to the Abia State Government for further action.
The soldiers were led by the Army Public Relations Officer, 14 Brigade Ohafia, Lt Omale Prince; and the Media Adviser to Governor Alex Otti, Ferdinand Ekeoma.
In an interview after the operation, Ekeoma commended the military for the operation, stating that there was no justification for why “this kind of thing should be happening in any part of Abia State.”
He added, “Gov Otti’s administration will sanitise the state, while the government will, in collaboration with the security agencies, conduct a thorough investigation on the matter.
“This government will not allow such incident to thrive in any part of the state, henceforth.”
