NAPTIP seals illegal maternity facility in Port Harcourt

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Health, has sealed a residential apartment in the Elelenwo area of Port Harcourt suspected of serving as an illegal maternity facility operated by a child-trafficking syndicate.

The joint operation resulted in the arrest of the facility owner, a facilitator involved in the alleged baby sales, and a staff member. Investigations suggest a criminal network was involved in the procurement, sale, and unlawful transfer of children.

Authorities reported that a Liberian national residing in Belgium arrived in Nigeria and allegedly took custody of three children within approximately one month under suspicious circumstances. Preliminary findings indicate that approximately ₦13.5 million was exchanged in connection with the transfer of these three children.

Investigators are currently conducting forensic and documentary inquiries to determine the biological and legal parentage of the children, trace financial transactions, and establish the welfare status of those involved.