- NAPTIP successfully intervened to save a 16-year-old girl in Gwarimpa, Abuja, after her employer reportedly inflicted burns on her with hot water.
- The teenager, originally from Imo State, was responsible for looking after three children, including newborn twins.
- Concerned neighbors promptly took her to a medical facility and alerted NAPTIP.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has intervened to rescue a teenage domestic worker in Abuja’s Gwarimpa district after reports emerged that her employer subjected her to severe abuse by pouring hot water on her.
According to a statement released on Friday, September 26, 2025, the agency confirmed the victim, a 16-year-old girl from Imo State, was tasked with caring for her employer’s three children, which included a pair of two-month-old twins and a seven-year-old child. The employer was reportedly away working night shifts during this period.
“The girl suffered burns from hot water inflicted by her employer. Neighbors who witnessed the incident acted swiftly by taking her to a hospital and notifying NAPTIP, which led to an immediate rescue operation,” the statement detailed.
NAPTIP emphasized that a thorough investigation is currently ongoing and assured the public that “all parties responsible for this cruel act will be held accountable under the law.” The agency also called on citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of trafficking or abuse.
In a related development, a Nigerian TikTok user shared a distressing video from an undisclosed Arab nation, alleging that her employer confiscated her passport and is preventing her from leaving the country.
In the footage, the young woman, who moved abroad for a housekeeping position, described feeling trapped due to restrictive local laws that make leaving nearly impossible. Despite her efforts to remain composed, she broke down in tears, explaining that even after offering to pay for her own return flight, her employer insisted she fulfill a two-year contract before her passport would be returned.
She cautioned fellow Nigerians against pursuing overseas employment solely for quick financial gain, highlighting the harsh realities and dangers that often accompany such jobs. “Don’t sacrifice your well-being chasing money,” she warned, repeatedly expressing feelings of exhaustion and helplessness while being unable to escape.
This testimony sheds light on ongoing issues surrounding the exploitation of migrant workers, including the withholding of travel documents and restrictions on personal freedom.
The video rapidly gained traction on social media platforms, sparking widespread condemnation. Many viewers compared her situation to modern slavery and called for enhanced safeguards to protect Nigerians working abroad.
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