The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has sealed a maternity facility in Elelenwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over allegations of child trafficking involving three children reportedly transferred for ₦13.5 million.
The operation, conducted with officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, also led to the arrest of the facility owner, an alleged facilitator and another staff member. NAPTIP said preliminary intelligence suggested the facility was being used to procure and unlawfully transfer children under the guise of providing maternity and healthcare services.
The agency said investigators were working to establish the identities, whereabouts and parentage of the three children, as well as trace financial transactions allegedly linked to the case. It added that the facility was sealed to preserve evidence and prevent further activities while investigations continue.
NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Bello, expressed concern over the alleged use of healthcare facilities to facilitate child trafficking and illegal adoption. She said the agency was investigating the possible involvement of medical personnel, foreign nationals and other individuals connected to the suspected network.
Bello assured that anyone found culpable would face the law, while stressing that suspects would be accorded due process. She added that the welfare and safety of the affected children remained a priority as investigators work to establish the full circumstances of the alleged transaction.
NAPTIP urged the public to report suspected cases of child trafficking, illegal adoption and other forms of child exploitation to the agency, as investigations into the Port Harcourt facility continue.
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