The Nigeria Police Force has invited social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to provide evidence backing his allegation that some police officers stationed at checkpoints collude with kidnappers and bandits.

The invitation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, following comments made by Otse at the recent Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

VeryDarkMan had alleged that some police officers manning checkpoints on 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 it as serious, unsubstantiated and capable of unfairly damaging the reputation of the institution.

The Force said the seriousness of the allegation required credible evidence and urged Otse to provide any material supporting his claims.

“The Nigeria Police Force firmly rejects these allegations as unsubstantiated and unfairly damaging to an institution entrusted with the protection of millions of Nigerians,” the statement said.

“Accordingly, the Nigeria Police Force hereby invites Mr Martins Vincent Otse to produce, without delay, the evidence upon which he based these serious allegations, including any evidence that police personnel at checkpoints identify wealthy individuals and subsequently transmit information about them to kidnappers for the purpose of facilitating their abduction.”

The police said any evidence presented by the activist would be treated urgently and subjected to thorough investigation.

Police defend checkpoint officers

The Force urged members of the public who possess credible evidence of police misconduct to report through appropriate channels instead of relying solely on public allegations.

It maintained that officers deployed to checkpoints across the country were tasked with preventing crime, detecting criminal activities and protecting citizens, rather than facilitating kidnappings.

The police also pointed to attacks on its personnel by criminals, saying officers routinely confront the same criminal elements allegedly receiving information from compromised personnel.

“Indeed, these same police officers routinely confront the very criminal elements alleged to be receiving such information. Police personnel have been ambushed, attacked and killed, while police stations, formations and operational assets have equally been targeted by terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals,” the statement said.

The Force, however, acknowledged that individual officers found to have compromised their duties would face internal disciplinary action and prosecution in accordance with the law.

It cautioned against blanket allegations that could demoralise police personnel and weaken public confidence in the institution.

“The Force calls on members of the public to exercise responsibility in making and sharing allegations concerning national security institutions and to distinguish between legitimate criticism, which strengthens accountability, and unsubstantiated claims, which can endanger public trust and national security,” the statement added.