NAPTIP Closes Suspected Baby Factory in Port Harcourt

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), alongside the Rivers State Ministry of Health, conducted an operation that led to the sealing of a residential apartment in Elelenwo, Port Harcourt, suspected of being an illegal maternity facility involved in child trafficking. The operation resulted in the arrest of the facility's alleged owner and another staff member.

NAPTIP's statement, signed by Head of Press and Public Relations Vincent Adekoye, indicated that the operation was based on actionable intelligence regarding a network involved in the procurement and unlawful transfer of children. Preliminary investigations revealed that three children were allegedly transferred to a Liberian national in Belgium, who arrived in Nigeria without evidence of pregnancy.

NAPTIP is investigating a ₦13.5 million financial transaction linked to this case. Director General Binta Adamu Bello expressed concern over the involvement of foreign nationals in child trafficking and illegal adoption, stating that all involved will face legal consequences.