The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has sealed a suspected illegal maternity facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over alleged involvement in child trafficking and the unlawful sale and transfer of children.
The agency also arrested three suspects, including the owner of the facility, an alleged facilitator and another staff member, in connection with the ongoing investigation.
The operation was carried out by NAPTIP operatives in collaboration with officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Health following intelligence about a suspected criminal network allegedly involved in the procurement, sale and unlawful transfer of children.
According to NAPTIP, the facility, located in the Elelenwo area of Port Harcourt, was operating from a residential apartment and was allegedly one of the high-profile health centres in the state.
In a statement issued on August 20 by its Head of Press and Public Relations, Vincent Adekoye, NAPTIP said the operation was linked to a case involving a Liberian national resident in Belgium who allegedly arrived in Nigeria without evidence of pregnancy but took custody of three children within about one month.
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicate that about N13.5 million was allegedly exchanged in connection with the transfer of the three children. The agency said it was also investigating the possible involvement of other members of staff and individuals connected to the facility.
NAPTIP said forensic and documentary investigations were underway to establish the identities, whereabouts and welfare of the children and determine their biological and legal parentage.
Investigators are also tracing financial transactions linked to the case and working to identify all individuals who may have participated in the alleged procurement and transfer of the children, including possible involvement by medical personnel.
The operation followed an earlier directive by the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, ordering increased surveillance of suspected self-acclaimed maternity facilities across the country. The agency said intelligence reports suggested that some such facilities could be used for alleged fertility scams, child sales and trafficking.
Bello expressed concern over allegations that foreign nationals were travelling to Nigeria to patronise suspected criminal networks involved in the illegal procurement and transfer of children.
She said NAPTIP had widened its investigation to identify and apprehend all persons connected to the case but stressed that the matter remained under active investigation and that all suspects would be subjected to due process.
The NAPTIP boss assured that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law, while the agency prioritises the safety, welfare and protection of the affected children.
She also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of child trafficking, illegal adoption, baby-selling and other forms of exploitation to NAPTIP through its zonal and state commands.
