Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Rivers State Government has sealed eight health facilities and arrested four people over alleged medical quackery, impersonation and the operation of unregistered healthcare centres, following an enforcement exercise by the state Ministry of Health.
The development was announced on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, as authorities intensified efforts to curb illegal medical practice and ensure healthcare providers comply with registration requirements and minimum operating standards.
According to the ministry, the exercise uncovered an unregistered health facility operating inside a residential compound at No. 27 Victoria Street, Port Harcourt. Two suspects, identified as Ataisi Jephtha and Mgboawaji Edwin, were allegedly apprehended while attempting to perform a thyroidectomy on a patient.
A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure involving the partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland. The ministry alleged that Jephtha had been presenting himself as a trained surgeon. Both suspects were arrested, and the facility was sealed.
The authorities also shut down five other hospitals and two diagnostic laboratory centres for allegedly operating without the necessary registration or failing to meet prescribed minimum standards.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, said the enforcement exercise formed part of the government's broader campaign against medical quackery and unsafe healthcare practices.
The ministry's press officer, Edna Alete, announced the development, while officials reiterated that healthcare providers must satisfy regulatory requirements before offering services to members of the public.
Wachukwu warned that licensed medical practitioners who collaborate with unregistered or substandard facilities would also face disciplinary measures in accordance with the applicable guidelines of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
The latest enforcement action follows an earlier announcement by the ministry on October 5, when it disclosed that 21 health facilities had been shut down across five local government areas for operating without registration or failing to meet minimum standards.
Those affected areas included Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Etche. The earlier exercise covered eight hospitals, five maternity facilities and eight diagnostic centres.
During that briefing, the ministry reported that 19 of the 21 facilities were unregistered and operating below prescribed standards. It also said that more than 150 health facilities had been identified during the third quarter of 2026 as operating without registration or adequate regulatory supervision.
Wachukwu further disclosed that only about 20 per cent of registered facilities complied with mandatory annual inspections and renewal of their Certificates of Standards, raising concerns about regulatory compliance across the state's healthcare sector.
The Certificate of Standards is an important requirement for healthcare facilities, and the ministry has urged operators to display valid certificates prominently so patients can verify their compliance status.
The government has repeatedly warned that facilities offering medical services without appropriate registration, qualified personnel or adequate operating standards could face closure and further legal or regulatory action.
The enforcement campaign is intended to protect residents from unsafe medical procedures and ensure that healthcare services are delivered by appropriately qualified professionals in facilities that meet established requirements.
The ministry has not publicly provided a complete list of all eight facilities shut down during the October 14 exercise. It has also not disclosed detailed information about the conditions of the patient allegedly involved in the attempted thyroid surgery.
The four arrested persons are accused of offences and have not been established as guilty by a court. Any prosecution arising from the investigation will be subject to due process and the applicable law.
Authorities have urged healthcare operators across Rivers State to regularise their operations and comply with professional and facility-registration requirements. Residents have also been encouraged to seek treatment from verified healthcare providers and report suspected illegal medical activities to the Ministry of Health.
The latest operation underscores the continuing challenge of regulating healthcare facilities and preventing unqualified individuals from carrying out procedures that require specialised medical training.
The Rivers State Government says it will continue enforcement activities as part of efforts to strengthen oversight, improve compliance and protect public health.
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