Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Special Tactical Squad (STS) have launched a major investigation into alleged child trafficking activities linked to Eldona Clinic in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in a case that has drawn widespread public attention and renewed concerns about illegal adoption practices and medical ethics in Nigeria.
The operation, which was carried out following intelligence reports and coordinated surveillance, led to the questioning of several individuals connected to the facility, including medical personnel and alleged intermediaries suspected of facilitating unlawful child transfers. Authorities say the case may form part of a broader trafficking network operating across multiple states.
At the center of the investigation is Dr. Elizabeth Obot, a medical practitioner linked to the clinic, alongside two other suspects identified as Uffiong Ubong Anthony and Blessing Okon Ntoko. Police officials confirmed that all three individuals are currently assisting investigators as efforts intensify to uncover the full scope of the alleged criminal activities.
According to preliminary findings, the operation was triggered after multiple reports suggested irregularities in child handling processes at the facility, including suspected unauthorized adoption arrangements and questionable documentation procedures. Investigators believe that some of the children may have been moved or transferred without proper legal authorization.
The Special Tactical Squad, operating under directives from senior police leadership, carried out a coordinated raid on the clinic premises in Port Harcourt. The operation reportedly included the seizure of medical records, administrative files, and electronic devices believed to contain evidence relevant to the ongoing probe.
A senior police source familiar with the investigation disclosed that the case is being treated with high priority due to its sensitive nature and potential links to organized child trafficking activities. The source added that the involvement of medical professionals raises serious concerns about abuse of trust and violation of ethical standards in healthcare delivery.
The Nigeria Police Force has since confirmed that forensic analysis and digital reconstruction of seized materials are underway. Authorities are also working in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), which has been brought in to support the investigation and ensure compliance with national anti trafficking protocols.
Officials from NAPTIP are expected to play a key role in verifying the legal status of children allegedly processed through the facility, as well as tracing possible biological parents and guardians. The agency has reiterated its commitment to dismantling child trafficking networks and ensuring that all victims are properly identified and protected.
The case has also attracted attention from human rights organizations and child protection advocates, who have called for a transparent and thorough investigation. They argue that the allegations, if proven true, highlight systemic weaknesses in adoption regulation and oversight mechanisms within parts of the country’s healthcare and social welfare systems.
Residents in Port Harcourt expressed shock over the development, describing the clinic as a long established healthcare facility in the area. Many said they were unaware of any suspicious activities, further underscoring concerns about how such alleged operations could remain undetected for extended periods.
Investigators are currently examining whether the clinic operated independently or as part of a wider network involving intermediaries, private agents, and other institutions. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests as the investigation expands beyond Rivers State.
The police have also indicated that DNA testing and identity verification processes may be conducted to establish biological links between children and claimed guardians in order to determine whether illegal adoption or substitution took place.
Speaking on the development, a senior officer from the STS, ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, emphasized that the operation reflects the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed commitment to tackling human trafficking and related crimes. He noted that the investigation will be comprehensive and guided strictly by evidence.
He further stated that no individual would be presumed guilty until the conclusion of forensic analysis and judicial proceedings, stressing the importance of due process in handling sensitive criminal cases involving children.
Legal experts have noted that if the allegations are substantiated, those involved could face multiple charges under Nigeria’s anti trafficking laws, including unlawful adoption, conspiracy, falsification of records, and child exploitation offenses. Convictions under such provisions carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups have renewed calls for stricter regulation of private medical facilities and adoption centers, urging government agencies to strengthen monitoring systems to prevent similar incidents in the future. They also called for improved public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on legal adoption procedures.
The unfolding investigation has once again brought attention to the broader issue of child trafficking in Nigeria, a crime that continues to pose significant challenges despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement and international partners.
As the probe continues, authorities have assured the public that all individuals found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law. Further updates are expected as forensic results and witness statements are processed.
For now, Eldona Clinic remains under close surveillance as investigators work to piece together what officials describe as a potentially complex and deeply troubling case.
