NAPTIP begins manhunt for man beating toddler in viral video

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched efforts to identify and prosecute a man captured in a viral video allegedly beating a toddler.

The video, which surfaced online on Wednesday, showed the man repeatedly hitting the child with what appeared to be a charger cable, striking the toddler on the head and body.

In the footage shared by @NigeriaStories on X, the child was seen crying and attempting to shield herself from the beating as the man continued the assault.

The man, who was shirtless and wearing green shorts, was also heard making a statement in Yoruba while speaking aggressively to the child.

Reacting to the video, NAPTIP said it had taken note of the incident and was working with relevant security agencies to identify the man.

“Child abuse is not tolerated. We have noted the viral video and are working with relevant security agencies to identify, locate, and prosecute the perpetrator to the full extent of the law,” the agency said in a statement shared via its X handle.

NAPTIP urged members of the public with information about the man’s identity or location to contact the agency through its official channels.

The video has drawn widespread condemnation online, with many Nigerians calling for immediate action against the person involved.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that anyone found responsible for abuse faces legal consequences.