A suspected fake surgeon has been arrested in Rivers State after authorities allegedly discovered him preparing to perform a thyroid operation on a patient at an illegal medical facility in Port Harcourt.

The Rivers State Ministry of Health also sealed eight additional health facilities and arrested four persons during an enforcement exercise targeting medical quackery, impersonation and the operation of unregistered healthcare centres.

The operation, conducted in October, forms part of the state government’s efforts to eliminate unqualified medical practitioners and ensure that healthcare facilities comply with established safety and regulatory standards.

The latest enforcement action comes after the ministry reportedly shut down 21 facilities over alleged medical quackery and child trafficking.

According to a report by Channels Television, the enforcement team uncovered an allegedly illegal health facility operating within a residential compound at Number 27 Victoria Street in Rivers State.

Two suspects were apprehended while allegedly attempting to perform a thyroidectomy on a patient inside what was described as a dark operating theatre.

The suspects were identified as Ataisi Jephtha, who allegedly presented himself as a surgeon, and Mgboawaji Edwin. Both were arrested for prosecution, while the facility was immediately sealed by the authorities.

The discovery has raised fresh concerns about the risks patients face when seeking medical treatment from individuals who may lack the required professional qualifications, training and regulatory approval.

A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. The procedure may be required to treat certain thyroid conditions, including some cases of goitre.

Performing such surgery without the appropriate qualifications, equipment and medical safeguards can expose patients to serious complications.

Beyond the Victoria Street incident, the inspection team sealed five other hospitals and two laboratory centres for allegedly operating without registration and failing to meet minimum healthcare standards.

The enforcement exercise resulted in the closure of eight additional facilities, as the state government intensified efforts to strengthen regulation across the health sector.

Authorities said the operation was intended to prevent unqualified practitioners from endangering residents and ensure that medical facilities meet the standards required for safe healthcare delivery.

The ministry’s action also sends a warning to healthcare operators who allegedly disregard registration requirements and other regulatory obligations.

In a statement issued by the ministry’s Press Officer, Ednah Alete, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Vincent Wachukwu, warned that possessing a valid professional licence does not automatically authorise a practitioner to operate an unregistered or substandard facility.

Wachukwu explained that licensed medical practitioners could also face sanctions if they failed to comply with the requirements governing healthcare facilities.

He further warned that practitioners who violate the guidelines of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) risk penalties under applicable regulations.

The warning underscores the government’s position that both individual practitioners and healthcare facility operators must comply with professional and institutional requirements.

The Rivers State Ministry of Health has urged residents to exercise caution when seeking medical treatment, particularly before undergoing surgical procedures.

Residents are advised to verify the registration status of healthcare facilities and confirm the professional qualifications of practitioners before accepting treatment.

The ministry also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and avoid placing their health in the hands of individuals whose credentials and facilities cannot be verified.

The inspection and enforcement exercise is expected to continue as the government intensifies its campaign against medical quackery and unsafe healthcare practices.

The arrest of the two suspects and the closure of the eight facilities highlight the continuing concerns surrounding unregulated medical practice and the importance of effective oversight in protecting patients.

The allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to the appropriate legal process.

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