Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, has sealed a suspected illegal maternity facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, amid an investigation into an alleged child trafficking and baby-selling network.
The facility, located in the Elelenwo area of Port Harcourt, was reportedly operating from a residential apartment. NAPTIP said the premises were shut during a joint intelligence-led operation involving its operatives and officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
Three people, including the owner of the facility, an alleged facilitator in the suspected baby sale and another staff member, were arrested during the operation.
According to NAPTIP, the investigation centres on a suspected criminal network involved in the procurement, sale and unlawful transfer of children. The agency said the operation was conducted to preserve potential evidence and secure the premises while investigations continue.
The agency said preliminary findings showed that a female Liberian national residing in Belgium arrived in Nigeria without evidence of pregnancy but allegedly took custody of three children within about one month. NAPTIP said the circumstances surrounding the children’s transfer raised serious concerns.
Investigators also uncovered information indicating that about ₦13.5 million was allegedly exchanged in connection with the transfer of the three children. The agency is now working to establish the identities, locations and welfare of the children.
NAPTIP said, “Investigators are now conducting forensic and documentary inquiries to establish the identities, whereabouts and welfare status of the children, determine their biological and legal parentage, identify all persons involved in their procurement and transfer; and trace the financial transactions and other circumstances surrounding their alleged procurement.”
The agency is also examining whether medical personnel or other individuals played roles in facilitating the suspected child trafficking operation. NAPTIP said everyone connected to the case would be identified and investigated in accordance with the law.
NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Bello, expressed concern over the alleged involvement of a foreign national in the suspected baby factory operation and assured that those found culpable would face legal action.
Bello said, “I am particularly disturbed that foreign nationals now come to Nigeria to patronise these suspected criminal elements and procure children like a common object of trade across the border. This is sad and totally unacceptable.
“We have spread our dragnet to fish out all those involved in this case, and they shall be made to face the full wrath of the law”
She added, “I wish to reaffirm that the matter remains under active investigation and that all persons found connected to it will be subjected to due process under the law. The agency will ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice, while the safety and welfare of the affected children remain its foremost priority.”
The latest operation forms part of NAPTIP’s wider crackdown on illegal maternity homes and suspected baby factories across Nigeria. The agency had earlier ordered increased surveillance of facilities suspected of operating as fertility scam centres or being involved in child trafficking and illegal child sales.
NAPTIP urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of child trafficking, illegal adoption, baby-selling and other forms of child exploitation to the agency through its zonal and state commands.
