The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has begun efforts to identify and locate a man filmed allegedly beating a toddler in a video that has generated widespread concern online.
The video, which circulated on social media on Wednesday, September 23, shows a shirtless man repeatedly striking a young child with what appears to be a cable. The child is seen crying and attempting to shield her head while the man continues the assault.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, including where and when the video was recorded and the identity of the man and child, have not been publicly established. Reports circulating online have also made claims about the man's relationship with the child, but those claims have not been independently confirmed.
In a statement responding to the video, NAPTIP said it had taken note of the footage and was working with relevant security agencies to identify and locate the person shown. The agency said it would pursue prosecution to the full extent of the law if its investigation establishes that an offence was committed.
NAPTIP also appealed to members of the public who may have useful information to contact the agency. It provided its official communication channels, including direct messages, email and the shortcode 627, for people who can assist investigators.
The agency's intervention follows widespread reactions to the video, with members of the public calling for authorities to establish the identity of the man and protect the child.
The incident has also renewed attention on the need for suspected child abuse to be reported to the appropriate authorities rather than handled solely through social media reactions. Nigeria's child-protection framework provides legal safeguards against violence, exploitation and degrading treatment of children.
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has previously urged members of the public not to download, repost or circulate videos showing abused children, warning that further distribution can expose victims to additional humiliation and harm. The ministry advised people who encounter such material to preserve relevant information securely and report it to law-enforcement or child-protection authorities.
As NAPTIP and other relevant authorities work to establish the identity of the man and the circumstances surrounding the incident, the available video alone does not establish the full background of the case. Further information from investigators will be needed to determine what happened, who was involved and whether criminal charges will follow.
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