The Anambra State Government has dismantled and shut a notorious baby factory syndicate masquerading as a hospital in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area of the state in a sting operation against human trafficking.

The illegal facility, operating under the name, “Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity”, located at 1 School Road, near Tansian University, Umunya, was sealed on Saturday, in an exercise that began on Friday, after months of surveillance and intelligence gathering.

During the raid carried out by the state government officials from the Ministry of Health in collaboration with security agencies, key staff and operatives of the facility, including five pregnant women and 10 other persons were arrested after it was found out that the facility was being used for “medical malpractices”.

Addressing journalists after storming the premises, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said the “so-called hospital” was found to be operating with a falsified licence and was owned by a self-proclaimed medical doctor, a native of Delta State.

Obidike confirmed that the syndicate was involved in the trafficking and exploitation of young girls, aged between 15, 19, and 21, adding that many of the victims were reportedly held against their will and forced into pregnancies, with newborns sold into illegal adoption rings.

The commissioner also highlighted the role of the State Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit and the State Illegal and Anti-Quackery Taskforce Team, established to identify and eliminate unauthorised health facilities across Anambra.

He urged the public to support the government’s efforts by reporting suspicious activities related to healthcare practices.

The Acting Director, Medical Services, Dr Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, among other state health ministry team members joined the commissioner in the raid.

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