The Nigeria Police Force has asked social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence backing his allegation that some police officers stationed at checkpoints along major highways pass information about travellers to kidnappers and bandits.
The police made the demand in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, following comments reportedly made by VDM during the ongoing 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to the Force, the allegation is a serious one and should be supported with verifiable evidence. It maintained that no such evidence had been presented so far.
The police rejected what it described as broad and unsubstantiated claims against its personnel, arguing that such allegations could unfairly damage the reputation of an institution responsible for protecting lives and property across the country.
The Force explained that officers deployed to checkpoints and other strategic locations are assigned to prevent crime, identify suspicious activities and protect motorists and other members of the public.
It also noted that police personnel regularly confront the same criminal groups accused of carrying out kidnappings and other violent crimes. According to the Force, officers have been attacked and killed in the line of duty, while police stations, formations and operational equipment have also come under attacks by terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements.
Police Promise Action Against Erring Officers
The Nigeria Police Force, however, stated that it would not protect any officer found to have compromised their duties.
It said any officer proven to have engaged in misconduct would be subjected to internal disciplinary measures and prosecution under the law where necessary.
The Force stressed that individual wrongdoing should not be used as a basis for condemning the entire police institution, particularly when the allegations have not been supported by evidence.
Police authorities consequently invited VDM to submit any information in his possession, especially evidence showing that officers at checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and transmit their details to criminal groups for the purpose of facilitating kidnappings.
The Force said any credible information submitted by the activist would be treated as a matter of urgency and thoroughly investigated.
The police also encouraged members of the public with evidence of misconduct by its personnel to make reports through the appropriate channels so that investigations and necessary disciplinary action can be carried out.
Police Urge Responsible Public Allegations
The Force reiterated its commitment to accountability and transparency, saying credible complaints against police officers would continue to be investigated regardless of where the allegations originate.
However, it cautioned against spreading claims that have not been verified, noting that such allegations could weaken public confidence in security institutions and have wider implications for national security.
The police urged Nigerians to distinguish between legitimate criticism, which can contribute to improved accountability, and unsupported allegations that could undermine public trust.
The development follows VDM’s recent appearance at the NBA conference, where he questioned the effectiveness of security checkpoints and called for a more proactive approach to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in the country.
