Operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Health, have sealed a residential apartment in Elelenwo, Port Harcourt, suspected of being converted into an illegal maternity facility by a child-trafficking syndicate. The joint operation led to the arrest of the facility's owner, the alleged facilitator of the baby sale, and one other staff member.
Coordinated operation follows actionable intelligence
The operation was based on actionable intelligence about a criminal network allegedly involved in the procurement, sale, and unlawful transfer of children. The facility, located in the Elelenwo area of the Rivers State capital, is widely regarded as one of the high-profile health centres in the oil-rich state.
This development follows a directive issued months ago by NAPTIP's Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, ordering improved surveillance on suspected self-acclaimed maternity centres across the country. The directive came after credible intelligence indicated that many such facilities had become fertility scam centres, with fraud arising from child sale and trafficking.
Liberian national allegedly took custody of three children
According to NAPTIP, preliminary investigation indicates that a Liberian national residing in Belgium arrived in Nigeria with no evidence of pregnancy. Within roughly one month, the individual allegedly took custody of three children under circumstances that raised serious concern.
Intelligence available to the agency indicates that approximately ₦13.5 million changed hands in connection with the transfer of the three children. Acting on this intelligence, NAPTIP operatives from Abuja and Rivers State, along with officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, carried out a coordinated operation at the suspected facility. The premises were sealed to preserve the scene and safeguard potential evidence pending the outcome of investigations.
Forensic inquiries underway to trace children and transactions
NAPTIP stated that investigators are conducting forensic and documentary inquiries to establish the identities, whereabouts, and welfare status of the children. They are also working to determine the biological and legal parentage of the children, identify all persons involved in their procurement and transfer, and trace the financial transactions and other circumstances surrounding their alleged procurement.
The agency is also examining the possible role of medical personnel and other individuals who may have facilitated the suspected criminal enterprise.
NAPTIP DG condemns cross-border child procurement
Speaking on the development, Director General Binta Adamu Bello expressed concern over the fraudulent activities of operators of some maternity and health centres across the country, especially their suspected involvement in illegal adoption, child sale, and trafficking.
"I am particularly disturbed that foreign nationals now come to Nigeria to patronize these suspected criminal elements and procure children like a common object of trade across the border. This is sad and totally unacceptable," she said. "We have spread our dragnet to fish out all those involved in this case, and they shall be made to face the full wrath of the Law."
Bello reaffirmed that the matter remains under active investigation and that all persons found connected to it will be subjected to due process under the law. The agency will ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice, while the safety and welfare of the affected children remain its foremost priority.
She urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report suspected cases of child trafficking, illegal adoption, baby-selling, or other forms of exploitation to NAPTIP through its nearest zonal or state command.
