Police Challenge VDM To Prove Claims Of Officers Aiding Kidnappers

The Nigeria Police Force has challenged social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence backing his allegation that some police officers at highway checkpoints assist kidnappers and bandits.

VDM reportedly made the allegation during the recent Nigerian Bar Association Conference in Port Harcourt, claiming that police personnel at checkpoints identify travellers and relay information about them to criminal gangs, who then use the information to facilitate kidnappings for ransom.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police rejected the allegation as unsubstantiated.

The Force said allegations of such gravity require credible evidence, adding that police officers deployed to checkpoints are assigned to prevent crime, detect criminal activities and protect travellers.

According to the police, officers working on highways and other locations routinely confront criminal elements, while some personnel have been ambushed, attacked and killed by terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals.

The Force also defended its personnel against what it described as blanket accusations.

It said hundreds of thousands of police officers continue to perform their duties under difficult and dangerous conditions, including at checkpoints exposed to criminal attacks.

The police acknowledged that individual officers could compromise their duties, but stressed that any officer found guilty would face internal disciplinary measures and the full weight of the law.

The Force therefore invited VDM to submit any evidence in his possession, particularly evidence showing that checkpoint officers identify wealthy travellers and subsequently pass their information to kidnappers.

It assured that any credible evidence submitted would be treated urgently and investigated thoroughly.

The police further urged members of the public who have evidence of misconduct by officers to use appropriate channels to report such cases instead of relying solely on public allegations.

The Force said it remained committed to transparency and accountability and would continue to investigate credible complaints against its personnel.

It also called for responsibility when making or sharing allegations concerning national security institutions, noting that legitimate criticism could strengthen accountability, while unsubstantiated claims could undermine public confidence and national security.