Rivers State shuts multiple health facilities, arrests seven in trafficking probe

The Rivers State Ministry of Health has sealed multiple health facilities across the state and arrested seven individuals in connection with illegal medical operations and child trafficking. The action was carried out by the state's anti-quackery committee in coordination with security agencies, following intelligence gathered from public reports and subsequent investigations.

Officials discovered that unqualified personnel at these facilities were performing surgical procedures and dispensing medications without proper medical credentials or licenses. The individuals arrested include operators of the sealed establishments.

The exact number of facilities closed appears to differ between official sources—some reports reference five facilities while others cite six—though all confirm that patent medicine stores were also targeted during the operation. Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, announced the closures to journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

He stated that the ministry's anti-quackery mandate includes working with the Nigerian Medical Association and other healthcare-affiliated bodies to combat unlicensed practice across the state. Wachukwu noted that the state has made significant progress in its fight against quackery over the past two years.

The investigation and subsequent arrests represent part of this broader effort to sanitise the healthcare system in Rivers State by removing unqualified practitioners who pose risks to public health and safety.