Rivers State Government Shuts Five Hospitals, Arrests Seven for Child Trafficking and Quackery The Rivers State Government has shut down five healthcare facilities and arrested seven individuals following a targeted crackdown on illegal medical practices and child trafficking networks within the state.​
The operation, led by the Rivers State Ministry of Health in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, uncovered severe infractions ranging from unlicensed medical practice (quackery) to the running of suspected “baby factories.”
Five private hospitals and clinics operating in Port Harcourt and its environs were shut down immediately for failing to meet regulatory standards and operating without valid licenses.
Seven suspects, including suspected fake doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, were taken into police custody during the raids. The suspects face a range of charges, including practicing medicine without qualifications, endangering public health, and involvement in organized child trafficking rings.
​State officials emphasized that the government has a zero-tolerance policy for substandard healthcare and criminal exploitation.​”
We will not allow unscrupulous individuals to turn the noble profession of medicine into a criminal enterprise or a hazard to our citizens,” said a Ministry of Health representative.
“These closures and arrests send a clear message: comply with the law, or face the consequences.”​The seven suspects are currently assisting the police with ongoing investigations.
Authorities have urged residents to verify the registration status of their healthcare providers and report any suspicious activities to the Ministry of Health or local law enforcement.
