Anambra’s baby factory raid reveals new human trafficking operation. Teen girls rescued, arrests made, and fake doctor exposed as state intensifies crackdown on abuse

Anambra’s baby factory raid has once again revealed a disturbing child trafficking operation in the state, as officials raided a previously shut-down maternity center posing as a hospital.

Also read: Human Trafficking Court Sentence Sends Woman to Jail in Shocking Verdict

The illegal facility, operating under the name Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area, was found to be owned by Odili Ossai, a self-proclaimed doctor from Delta State who remains on the run.

This weekend’s operation comes months after a February 2024 raid, which rescued six pregnant teenagers.

According to Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, the latest raid followed months of covert surveillance and intelligence gathering.

“We stormed the hospital and arrested members of the criminal ring. The hospital operated with a fake license,” said Dr. Obidike.

Authorities confirmed that young girls aged 15 to 21 were trafficked, held against their will, and forced into pregnancies, with babies sold to illegal adoption networks.

Several girls and infants were rescued and are now receiving medical and psychological care.

The raid was carried out in collaboration with security forces and the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade).

Dr. Obidike described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking, gender-based violence, and illegal health facilities.

“The state is committed to shutting down unlicensed clinics and holding traffickers accountable. This is a fight for human dignity and public health,” he stated.

To intensify the crackdown, the government has bolstered the Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit and the Anti-Quackery Taskforce.

These bodies are charged with identifying and closing illegal clinics across the state.

Residents are urged to report suspicious health practices. The state has pledged zero tolerance for exploitation and unsafe medical operations.

Also read: Ogun Police arrest two suspects involved in human trafficking for exploitation in Mauritania

As the Anambra Baby Factory Raid unfolds, suspects are expected to face serious charges including human trafficking, child exploitation, and unlawful detention.