By Abdullahi Inuwa
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has directed landlords, property owners and house agents across the state to conduct proper background checks on prospective tenants amid concerns over the use of rented accommodation to facilitate criminal activities.
The directive followed a trending social media video concerning the reported disappearance of children in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, the incident involved a woman who reportedly entrusted her children to a relatively new co-tenant before the person allegedly left with the children while she was away.
The Command said the matter has been brought to the attention of the Police, with investigation already underway to establish what transpired, locate the children and identify and apprehend anyone found to be responsible.
CP Azare, while reacting to the development, urged landlords and property agents to exercise greater caution before handing residential accommodation to strangers.
He advised them to obtain and verify important details from prospective tenants, including valid means of identification, functional telephone numbers, previous residential addresses, next-of-kin information and credible guarantors or referees.
The Police Commissioner also called on landlords to maintain accurate records of their tenants and promptly alert security agencies whenever they notice suspicious behaviour, unexplained movements or activities capable of endangering other residents.
Command warned that landlords, agents or other individuals who knowingly harbour criminals, conceal suspects or deliberately mislead investigators could face prosecution where sufficient evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
The Commissioner also issued a strong warning to bloggers, content creators and social media users over the publication of sensitive information relating to child abduction, trafficking and other serious criminal investigations.
While acknowledging the role social media can play in creating public awareness, CP Azare cautioned that releasing sensitive information prematurely could jeopardise rescue and investigative operations.
He explained that exposing details about victims, suspects, locations or ongoing Police operations could alert suspected offenders and potentially give them an opportunity to relocate victims, destroy evidence, alter their identities or escape.
The Command therefore appealed to members of the public who obtain credible information about child abduction, trafficking or similar offences to first notify the Police before making sensitive details public.
Police further warned that deliberate actions capable of obstructing investigations, compromising rescue efforts, concealing offenders or helping suspects evade justice under the guise of content creation would be investigated and prosecuted where evidence supports such action.
Parents Urged to Be Vigilant
CP Azare equally advised parents and guardians to exercise extreme caution when leaving their children in the care of newly acquainted neighbours, domestic workers, casual acquaintances or individuals whose backgrounds have not been sufficiently established.
He reassured residents that the Police Command would continue to deploy all lawful resources at its disposal to tackle child abduction and trafficking, rescue victims and bring perpetrators and their collaborators to justice.
Azare appealed to anyone with useful information concerning the whereabouts of the missing children or individuals connected with the incident to immediately contact the nearest Police station or the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
The Command also urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid circulating unverified claims and allow investigators to conduct their work professionally.
The statement was signed on September 17, 2026, by DSP Timfon John, LLB, ANIPR, Police Public Relations Officer, for the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command.
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