The Nigeria Police Force has challenged social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to provide evidence backing his allegation that police officers at checkpoints share information about travellers with kidnappers and bandits.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, made the call in a statement on Thursday in response to comments attributed to Otse at the Nigerian Bar Association Conference in Port Harcourt.
The Police described the allegation as unsubstantiated and unfairly damaging to the institution, saying claims of such gravity require credible evidence.
The Force said officers deployed to checkpoints and other locations are responsible for preventing crime, detecting criminal activity and protecting citizens, rather than facilitating kidnappings.
It acknowledged that individual officers found to have compromised their duties would face disciplinary action and prosecution where necessary, but rejected what it described as blanket accusations against the entire Force.
The Police said its personnel routinely confront kidnappers, terrorists and other criminals, with some officers killed or injured while carrying out their duties.
The Force urged VeryDarkMan to submit any evidence showing that police officers identify wealthy travellers and pass their details to kidnappers to facilitate abductions.
It said any credible information provided would be treated urgently and thoroughly investigated.
The Police also called on members of the public to report allegations of misconduct through appropriate channels, saying legitimate criticism could strengthen accountability, while unsubstantiated claims could undermine public trust and national security.
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