The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has sealed a private maternity centre in Elelenwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over alleged child trafficking and illegal sale of babies.
Naijanewsspank gathered that the enforcement exercise was carried out jointly by operatives from the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, its Rivers State Command, and officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
Three suspects, including the proprietor of the facility, were arrested during the operation.
Naijanewsspank gathered that the maternity home, though operating from a residential building, was well patronised and regarded as one of the popular private health facilities in the state capital.
According to NAPTIP, the action followed credible intelligence that the centre was being used by a criminal syndicate for the procurement, sale and illegal transfer of children.
A major lead in the investigation, the agency disclosed, was a Liberian woman based in Belgium, who arrived in Nigeria without any sign of pregnancy but allegedly took custody of three children within one month.
Naijanewsspank gathered that preliminary investigation revealed that about N13.5 million was allegedly paid for the illegal custody of the three children.
The premises have been sealed to preserve evidence and protect public interest, while investigation continues.
NAPTIP said efforts are ongoing to trace the whereabouts of the children, establish their true parentage, and identify other members of the syndicate, including possible collaborators among medical personnel.
Reacting to the development, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Mrs. Binta Bello, described the case as disturbing, especially the involvement of foreign nationals in child procurement.
“It is worrisome that foreign nationals now come into the country to procure children like commodities. This is unacceptable,” she said.
Bello assured that the agency would conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that all persons found culpable are prosecuted, adding that the welfare and safety of the affected children remain top priority.
She urged members of the public to report suspected cases of human trafficking, illegal adoption and other forms of exploitation to the nearest NAPTIP command.
Naijanewsspank gathered that the latest clampdown is part of heightened surveillance of private maternity homes and clinics suspected to be operating as baby factories across the country.
