NAPTIP Seals Suspected Illegal Maternity Facility in Rivers Over Alleged Child Trafficking
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has closed down a residential home in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, suspected of being an illegal maternity home for the alleged procurement and illegal transfer of children.
The operation, which was conducted in conjunction with the Rivers State Ministry of Health, led to the arrest of the owner of the facility, an alleged facilitator and another staff member.
The investigation was based on information received by NAPTIP regarding a suspected network in the sale and transfer of children, NAPTIP said. According to the agency, preliminary investigation shows that a man from Liberia, who is residing in Belgium, came to Nigeria without any evidence of pregnancy and allegedly took charge of three children in about a month.
NAPTIP said it had been informed that about ₦13.5 million was allegedly linked to the transfer of the three children.
The agency has started forensic and documentary investigations to determine the identities, location, welfare and biological or legal parentage of the children. Financial transactions are also being investigated and medical personnel may be involved.
The case also poses serious questions about children being treated as commodities and the possibility of them being separated from their families by illegal means, from a child protection point of view.
NAPTIP Director-General Binta Bello said the safety and welfare of the children concerned is the agency’s top priority and that anyone found guilty will be subjected to due process.
The agency has called on the public to report any suspicions of child trafficking, illegal adoption, baby-selling and other forms of exploitation.
Continuing investigations will be vital to identifying the children and ensuring their immediate safety, care and legal protection, which will help to prevent further harm and support their long-term wellbeing.
