The Nigeria Police Force has challenged social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence for his allegation that police officers at highway checkpoints pass information about travellers to kidnappers and bandits.
The Force said the allegation was too serious to be left unsupported, insisting that any evidence linking police personnel to kidnapping operations would be urgently investigated.
The challenge followed comments reportedly made by VDM at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt. In a statement issued on Thursday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the police “firmly rejects” the allegation as unsubstantiated and damaging to an institution responsible for protecting Nigerians.
According to the Force, officers deployed to checkpoints are tasked with preventing crime, detecting suspicious activity and protecting travellers, rather than facilitating abductions.
The police also highlighted the risks faced by personnel operating along the country’s highways, noting that officers regularly confront the same criminal groups they are accused of assisting. It said police personnel have been ambushed, attacked and killed, while stations, operational bases and other security assets have also come under attack from terrorists, kidnappers and other violent groups.
The Force acknowledged, however, that individual officers could be involved in misconduct and said such personnel would not be protected.
“Where individual officers are found to have compromised their duty, they will face the full weight of internal discipline and the law,” the statement said.
It maintained that the alleged actions of individuals should not be used to condemn the entire police institution, particularly without evidence.
The Force therefore specifically invited VDM to provide any information supporting his claim, including evidence that checkpoint officers identify wealthy travellers and transmit their details to criminal groups for the purpose of facilitating kidnappings.
“Any such information will be treated with urgency and investigated thoroughly,” the police said.
The Force also encouraged members of the public with credible evidence of police misconduct to report through established channels, saying such complaints would enable appropriate investigations and sanctions.
While reaffirming its commitment to accountability and transparency, the police warned against spreading allegations it considers unverified.
It said legitimate criticism remains important in holding security institutions accountable but argued that unsupported claims could damage public confidence and have broader implications for national security.
The dispute therefore places the focus on whether evidence can be produced to substantiate the serious allegations, with the police making clear that credible information implicating individual officers will be investigated.
