(Akwa Ibom MAp. Photo by The Sun Nigeria)
Akwa Ibom State Police have started investigating a case where a woman gave her children to a new co-tenant who allegedly ran away with them.
The incident happened in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area and was captured in a video circulating online.
Police said they are working to find the children and arrest anyone responsible.
Police Commissioner Baba Azare warned landlords and property agents to be careful when renting out rooms.
He said people with criminal intentions might gain the trust of neighbours to commit crimes like child abduction and trafficking.
Azare advised landlords to ask prospective tenants for verifiable information including valid identification, phone numbers, previous addresses, next-of-kin details and credible guarantors before renting to them.
He urged landlords and co-tenants to keep proper records of tenants and report suspicious behaviour.
Anyone who harbours criminals, hides suspects or helps offenders escape will be investigated and prosecuted.
Azare also warned social media users against posting sensitive cases of child abduction online without first contacting police.
Such posts can alert offenders, help them move victims or destroy evidence.
He urged parents and guardians to be careful when leaving children with newly met neighbours or people they do not know well.
Police asked anyone with information about the missing children to contact the nearest police station.
