Rivers govt. shuts five hospitals, arrests seven over alleged child trafficking

The Rivers State Government has sealed five private hospitals and a patent medicine store over alleged involvement in child trafficking, illegal medical practices, and the operation of unlicensed maternity facilities.

The enforcement operation, carried out by the Rivers State Ministry of Health in collaboration with security agencies, led to the arrest of seven suspects, including facility owners, medical personnel, and other staff members.

According to state authorities, the affected facilities were located in Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, and other surrounding communities. Officials alleged that some of the facilities were operating without valid licences and were being used to harbour pregnant teenagers and young women for the purpose of trafficking newborn babies.

The Ministry of Health said preliminary investigations revealed that the facilities employed unqualified personnel to carry out medical procedures and operated maternity wards that failed to meet basic regulatory standards.

Speaking on the operation, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health said the government would not tolerate the use of healthcare facilities as fronts for criminal activities.

He stated that the sealed facilities were found to have violated multiple health regulations and were allegedly involved in activities linked to illegal adoption and child trafficking networks.

The government also disclosed that rescued young women have been transferred to appropriate welfare centres, where they will receive care and support while investigations continue.

Authorities said the suspects would face prosecution after the conclusion of ongoing investigations being conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

The state government further announced plans to intensify inspections of private healthcare facilities across Rivers State as part of efforts to sanitize the health sector and eliminate illegal medical operations.

Residents were urged to verify the registration status of healthcare facilities before seeking medical services and to report any suspicious clinics or maternity homes operating within their communities.

Officials said the crackdown forms part of a broader campaign to combat child trafficking, protect vulnerable persons, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations across the state.