The Nigeria Police Force has invited social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to provide evidence supporting his allegation that some police officers stationed at checkpoints collude with kidnappers and bandits.
The invitation followed comments reportedly made by Otse during the recent Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, the police said they had taken note of the activist’s allegations and considered them serious enough to require evidence.
VeryDarkMan had alleged that some police officers manning checkpoints along major highways identify wealthy travellers and pass information about their identities and movements to kidnappers, thereby facilitating their abduction for ransom.
Reacting to the allegation, the police described the claims as unsubstantiated and damaging to the reputation of the Force.
The statement said the Nigeria Police Force was inviting Otse to immediately present any evidence supporting his claims, particularly evidence showing that officers identify wealthy travellers and subsequently transmit their details to kidnappers.
According to the Force, any credible evidence provided by the activist would be treated with urgency and subjected to a thorough investigation.
The police also urged members of the public who have evidence of misconduct by officers to report such cases through appropriate channels instead of relying solely on public allegations.
The Force maintained that police officers deployed to checkpoints across the country are primarily tasked with preventing crime, detecting criminal activities and protecting citizens.
It further pointed out that police personnel regularly confront kidnappers, terrorists and other criminal elements, with some officers losing their lives in the process.
The police said officers and operational facilities have been attacked by violent criminals, including kidnappers and terrorists, stressing that such realities contradict the portrayal of checkpoint personnel as collaborators with criminal groups.
The Force, however, acknowledged that any officer found to have compromised his or her duties would face disciplinary action and prosecution in accordance with the law.
While calling for accountability, the police cautioned against making blanket allegations that could demoralise personnel and weaken public confidence in the institution.
The Force urged Nigerians to distinguish between legitimate criticism, which can strengthen accountability, and unverified allegations that could undermine public trust and national security.
The police therefore reiterated its call on VeryDarkMan and anyone else with credible evidence of misconduct to present such evidence for investigation.
