NAPTIP Shuts Port Harcourt Maternity Over Alleged ₦13.5m Baby Sale

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has sealed a maternity facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over an alleged ₦13.5 million child-trafficking and baby-sale operation.

The agency, working with the Rivers State Ministry of Health, also arrested the facility’s owner, an alleged facilitator and another staff member following intelligence linking the centre to the suspected illegal procurement and transfer of children.

The facility, located in Elelenwo and reportedly operating from a residential apartment, came under investigation after authorities received information suggesting it was being used for child trafficking and illegal adoption.

NAPTIP said its preliminary investigation uncovered a case involving a Liberian woman living in Belgium who allegedly arrived in Nigeria without evidence of pregnancy but obtained custody of three children within about a month.

The agency said intelligence suggested that approximately ₦13.5 million was allegedly exchanged in connection with the transfer of the children and other individuals linked to the facility.

Following the intelligence, operatives from NAPTIP’s Abuja and Rivers commands, alongside state health officials, conducted a coordinated operation and sealed the premises to preserve evidence.

Investigators are now working to establish the identities, whereabouts and welfare of the three children, as well as determine their biological and legal parentage. They are also tracing the alleged financial transactions and examining the possible involvement of medical personnel and other individuals.

NAPTIP Director-General Binta Bello expressed concern over the alleged involvement of foreign nationals in procuring children through suspected trafficking networks in Nigeria.

She warned that everyone found responsible would face prosecution after due process, while stressing that the safety and welfare of the children remain the agency’s priority.

The operation comes amid increased NAPTIP surveillance of suspected “baby factories” and other facilities allegedly involved in illegal adoption, child trafficking and the sale of babies.