The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued a 16-year-old girl from the clutches of her abusive employer in Abuja’s Gwarimpa area after the woman allegedly poured scalding hot water on the teenager, leaving her with severe burns. The swift intervention, triggered by vigilant neighbors, has exposed yet another harrowing case of child domestic labor exploitation in the Federal Capital Territory.
The victim, hailing from Imo State, had been working as a live-in maid, single-handedly caring for her employer’s three young children—including two-month-old twins and a seven-year-old boy—while the woman worked night shifts. According to NAPTIP’s official statement on Friday, the assault stemmed from a minor dispute, with the employer deliberately dousing the girl in hot water as punishment. Alert neighbors, witnessing the girl’s screams, rushed her to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment before alerting NAPTIP, who launched an immediate rescue operation.
NAPTIP operatives arrived at the scene promptly, securing the teenager’s safety and relocating her to a secure shelter for medical care, counseling, and rehabilitation. “This is a clear case of child trafficking and abuse, and we are committed to ensuring justice,” said a NAPTIP spokesperson in the agency’s Facebook post. The employer, whose identity has not been disclosed pending investigation, has been detained, and a full probe is underway to uncover any patterns of exploitation or involvement in broader trafficking networks. Authorities have assured the public that the suspect will face prosecution under Nigeria’s anti-trafficking laws.
The incident has ignited outrage across social media, with #EndChildAbuse trending as netizens share stories of similar domestic worker horrors. “How many more before we protect our girls? NAPTIP, keep up the fight!” tweeted one user, while another called for stricter regulations on hiring underage maids. Child rights advocates, including the Child Protection Network, hailed the rescue as a “timely win” but urged parents and guardians to report suspicious cases early.
This rescue underscores Nigeria’s ongoing battle against child trafficking, with NAPTIP reporting over 1,000 cases in the FCT alone last year. The agency continues to call for public vigilance, emphasizing its toll-free hotline (0800-CALL-NAPTIP) for anonymous tips.
As the young survivor begins her road to recovery, her story serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by countless children in hidden households. NAPTIP vows to leave no stone unturned in delivering justice.