NAPTIP Seals Port Harcourt Maternity Over Baby Sale

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has sealed a maternity facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, due to an alleged ₦13.5 million baby sale and child trafficking operation involving a Liberian national residing in Belgium. The agency, in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Health, arrested the facility's owner, an alleged facilitator, and another staff member after intelligence linked the maternity to the illegal procurement, sale, and transfer of children.

The facility, located in the Elelenwo area, was reportedly operating from a residential apartment. Investigations revealed that the Liberian national arrived in Nigeria without evidence of pregnancy and allegedly took custody of three children within a month.

NAPTIP operatives conducted a coordinated operation to seal the premises and preserve evidence. Investigators are working to establish the identities and welfare of the three children and trace financial transactions related to the operation.

NAPTIP is also examining the potential involvement of medical personnel in these activities.