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 the Elelenwo area of Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, suspected of being converted into an illegal maternity facility by a child-trafficking syndicate. The joint operation led to the arrest of the facility owner, the facilitator in the alleged baby sale, and one other staff member of the maternity.
Joint Operation Based on Actionable Intelligence
According to a statement released by NAPTIP, the operation followed actionable intelligence on a criminal network allegedly involved in the procurement, sale, and unlawful transfer of children. The facility, widely regarded as one of the high-profile health centres in the oil-rich state, was sealed to preserve the scene and safeguard potential evidence pending the outcome of investigations.
Preliminary investigation indicates that a Liberian national who resides in Belgium arrived in Nigeria with no evidence of pregnancy, yet within roughly one month allegedly took custody of three children under circumstances that have raised serious concern. Intelligence available to the agency indicates that approximately N13.5 million changed hands in connection with the transfer of the three children and other staff members of the maternity.
Forensic and Documentary Inquiries Underway
Investigators are now conducting forensic and documentary inquiries to establish the identities, whereabouts, and welfare status of the children, determine their biological and legal parentage, identify all persons involved in their procurement and transfer, and trace the financial transactions and other circumstances surrounding their alleged procurement.
The agency says it is also examining the possible role of medical personnel and other individuals who may have facilitated the suspected criminal enterprise. The coordinated operation involved NAPTIP operatives from Abuja and Rivers State, as well as officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
