The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has sealed an illegal maternity facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over the alleged sale of three babies linked to a suspected child trafficking syndicate.
The agency said the operation was carried out by its operatives in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Health, leading to the arrest of the facility’s owner, an alleged facilitator in the transaction and another staff member.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NAPTIP said the facility, located in the Elelenwo area of Port Harcourt, was operating from a residential apartment and was allegedly being used to procure, sell and illegally transfer children.
“Our preliminary investigation showed that a Liberian woman resident in Belgium came into Nigeria without any evidence of pregnancy and allegedly took custody of three children within about one month.
“Investigators also uncovered evidence suggesting that about N13.5 million was paid in connection with the transfer of the three children,” the agency said.
NAPTIP said its officers from Abuja and Rivers State carried out a coordinated raid on the facility and sealed the premises to preserve evidence while investigations continue.
“We have commenced forensic and documentary investigations to establish the identities, whereabouts and welfare of the children, as well as determine their biological and legal parentage,” the agency said.
It added that investigators were also tracing those involved in the procurement and transfer of the children, following the money trail and examining the possible role of medical personnel and other individuals connected to the alleged trafficking network.
Reacting to the development, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, expressed concern that foreign nationals were allegedly coming to Nigeria to obtain children through illegal means.
She said the agency had expanded its investigation to identify and arrest everyone linked to the case.
“Anyone found culpable will face due process under the law, and the safety and welfare of the affected children will remain our top priority,” Bello said.