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The Nigeria Police Force has asked social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence to support his allegation that police officers at checkpoints leak travellers' information to kidnappers.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police described the allegation, made by VDM during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt, as unsubstantiated and unfair to the institution.
The Force said the claims wrongly portrayed officers deployed at checkpoints as collaborators with criminals, stressing that police personnel are stationed to prevent crime, protect lives and detect criminal activities, not to aid kidnappings.
According to the statement, many officers have lost their lives while confronting terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals, while police formations and operational assets have also come under attack across the country.
The police said it was unjust to condemn the entire institution based on allegations that had not been backed by credible evidence, noting that the Force comprises thousands of officers who serve under difficult and often dangerous conditions.
While acknowledging that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face disciplinary measures and prosecution, the Force maintained that sweeping accusations against all personnel were demoralising and unfair to officers carrying out their lawful duties.
The police therefore invited VDM to submit any evidence in his possession showing that officers at checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and pass such information to kidnappers for ransom operations.
It assured that any credible information provided would be investigated thoroughly, urging members of the public with evidence of police misconduct to report such cases through appropriate channels rather than relying solely on public allegations.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Nigeria Police Force said it would continue to investigate all credible complaints against its personnel while protecting the integrity of officers who serve with professionalism.
The Force also called on Nigerians to exercise caution and responsibility when making allegations against security institutions, stressing that while constructive criticism promotes accountability, unverified claims could undermine public confidence and national security.
