NAPTIP Busts Suspected Baby Trafficking Facility in Rivers, Arrests Three
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has shut down a suspected illegal maternity home in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over allegations of child trafficking and unlawful transfer of babies.
The operation, conducted jointly with the Rivers State Ministry of Health, followed intelligence reports linking the facility in the Elelenwo area to an alleged baby trafficking network.
Three suspects, including the owner of the facility, an alleged intermediary and another staff member, were arrested during the operation.
NAPTIP disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Press and Public Relations, Vincent Adekoye.
According to the agency, investigators sealed the premises to preserve evidence while probing the activities of the facility and individuals connected to the alleged operation.
Preliminary investigations raised concerns over the custody of three children allegedly obtained by a Liberian woman residing in Belgium.
NAPTIP said the woman reportedly arrived in Nigeria without evidence of pregnancy but allegedly took custody of the three children within about one month.
Investigators are examining claims that approximately N13.5 million changed hands in transactions linked to the transfer of the children.
The agency said efforts were underway to establish the identities and current whereabouts of the children, verify their biological and legal parentage, and ensure their safety.
Investigators are also tracing financial transactions and examining the possible involvement of healthcare workers and other collaborators connected to the facility.
NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Bello, expressed concern over the alleged involvement of foreign nationals in child trafficking activities.
She assured that the agency would thoroughly investigate the case and prosecute anyone found culpable.
Bello also urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities involving illegal maternity homes, child trafficking, unlawful adoption and baby-selling operations.
NAPTIP noted that the investigation remains ongoing, with the protection and welfare of the affected children remaining its top priority.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
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