Rivers State Government Closes 21 Illegal Health Facilities

The Rivers State Government has sealed 21 illegal health facilities across four local government areas following an enforcement operation that uncovered suspected baby trafficking and racketeering. This operation, conducted by the Rivers State Ministry of Health in the third quarter of 2026, involved a joint effort with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

During the operation at Manda Clinic and Maternity in Elelenwo, a Liberian national disclosed the procurement of three children from the facility within one month. Dr Vincent Wachukwu, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, reported that over 150 health facilities were operating without registration.

The sealed facilities included eight hospitals, five maternity homes, and eight diagnostic centers across Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, and Etche. Notably, Manda Clinic was operating without registration and licensed medical practitioners.

Other facilities, such as Havilla Hospital and Ola-Oluwa Medical Centre, were also shut down due to unlicensed operations.