The Rivers State Government has sealed five hospitals and a patent medicine store while arresting seven suspects in a crackdown on alleged child trafficking, quack medical practices, and other health-related offences across the state.
Officials said the operation followed investigations by the state’s Anti-Quackery Committee, acting on reports from members of the public and working alongside security agencies.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, the committee’s chairman, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, said several of the affected facilities were allegedly being operated by individuals without the required qualifications or licences. According to him, investigations revealed that some operators carried out medical procedures, prescribed medications, and treated patients despite lacking professional credentials.
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One of the facilities shut down during the Exercise was EL DONA Hospital in Elekahia, Port Harcourt. Authorities alleged that the hospital was involved in child trafficking activities.
Investigators claimed that some mothers who delivered babies at the facility were allegedly informed that their newborns had died, while the babies were secretly taken away and later sold. The facility was subsequently sealed, and members of staff present during the operation were arrested.
The government also disclosed that a patent medicine store in Ndele was shut following the death of a young woman who allegedly received an injection from an unqualified operator. Authorities said efforts were ongoing to locate the proprietor, who was not present when officials visited the premises.
Another facility in Omoku was accused of being operated by a non-medical practitioner who allegedly conducted surgical procedures and ran an unapproved training programme for auxiliary nurses. Officials said dozens of trainees were found at the facility during the inspection.
The affected facilities are located in Port Harcourt, Omoku, Obio/Akpor, and Emohua Local Government Areas.
State authorities said all arrested suspects would face investigation and possible prosecution, while warning healthcare operators against engaging in unlicensed medical activities.
The government further directed that organisations planning medical outreach programmes in Rivers State must obtain approval from the Ministry of Health before carrying out such activities.
Officials reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating quackery and protecting residents from unsafe healthcare practices across the state.
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