The Nigeria Police Force has rejected allegations by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), that police officers at checkpoints provide kidnappers and bandits with information about travellers to facilitate abductions.
The Force described the allegations, reportedly made by VDM at the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt, as unsubstantiated and unfairly damaging to the institution.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police said allegations of such magnitude must be supported by credible evidence.
The Force maintained that officers deployed to checkpoints across the country were stationed to prevent crime, detect criminal activities and protect citizens, rather than collaborate with criminal elements.
It noted that police personnel had continued to confront kidnappers, terrorists and other violent criminals, with several officers killed in ambushes and attacks, while police formations and operational assets had also been targeted.
The police said blanket accusations against the Force were unfair to the hundreds of thousands of officers who carry out their duties under difficult and often dangerous conditions.
“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.
The Force, however, invited Otse to provide evidence to substantiate his claims, including any information showing that police officers at checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and relay information about them to kidnappers.
It said any credible evidence submitted would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated.
The police also urged members of the public with credible evidence of misconduct by officers to report through appropriate channels to enable proper investigation and disciplinary action.
While reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Force said it would continue to investigate all credible allegations of misconduct and act decisively where wrongdoing was established.
It, however, warned against unverified allegations capable of undermining public trust in national security institutions, urging Nigerians to distinguish between legitimate criticism and claims made without supporting evidence.
“The sacrifices of our personnel and the integrity of the institution will not be casually diminished by unverified allegations,” the statement added.
