NAPTIP seals illegal maternity facility in Rivers

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has sealed an apartment in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, suspected to be an illegal maternity facility run by a child-trafficking syndicate. The operation, which involved NAPTIP operatives and officials from the Rivers State Ministry of Health, led to the arrest of the facility owner, a facilitator, and another staff member.

According to NAPTIP, the arrest followed intelligence about a criminal network involved in the procurement, sale, and unlawful transfer of children. The sealed apartment, located in the Elelenwo area of Port Harcourt, is one of the high-profile health centers in the oil-rich state. The Liberian national who allegedly took custody of three children resides in Belgium.

Intelligence revealed that the transfer of the children led to a transaction worth ₦13.5 million. NAPTIP is conducting investigations to determine the identities, whereabouts, and welfare status of the children, as well as identify all persons involved in the alleged criminal enterprise. The agency's Director-General, Binta Bello, expressed concern over the involvement of foreign nationals in the 'baby factory' syndicate, assuring that all perpetrators will be held accountable.