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

The invitation followed comments made by the activist at the recent Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he raised concerns about alleged criminal activities involving some police personnel.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, the police said it had taken note of VeryDarkMan’s allegations and considered them serious enough to warrant clarification and investigation.

Police demand evidence from activist

VeryDarkMan had alleged that some police officers deployed to checkpoints along major highways identify wealthy travellers and pass information about their identities and movements to kidnappers.

According to the activist, such information is allegedly used by criminal groups to target wealthy individuals for abduction and ransom payments.

Reacting to the allegation, the police described the claim as serious, unsubstantiated and capable of unfairly damaging the reputation of the institution.

The Force consequently invited Otse to produce evidence supporting his claims, particularly any information showing that police officers identify wealthy travellers and subsequently transmit their details to kidnappers.

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

Police defend checkpoint operations

The Force maintained that officers deployed to checkpoints across the country were assigned to prevent crime, detect criminal activities and protect citizens.

It argued that portraying checkpoint personnel as collaborators with kidnappers without credible evidence could undermine public confidence in officers who routinely operate in dangerous environments.

According to the police, personnel deployed across the country regularly confront kidnappers, terrorists, bandits and other violent criminals.

The Force noted that police officers had been ambushed, attacked and killed while carrying out their duties, while several police stations, operational formations and security assets had also been targeted by criminal elements.

It said the sacrifices made by its personnel should not be disregarded through allegations that had not been supported with verifiable evidence.

Police promise action against erring officers

Despite its rejection of the allegation as a blanket claim, the police said it would not shield any officer found to have compromised his or her duties.

The Force stated that where credible evidence established that an individual police officer had colluded with criminals or otherwise abused his position, the officer would face internal disciplinary proceedings and prosecution in accordance with the law.

The police also urged members of the public who had evidence of misconduct to report such cases through appropriate channels.

It said credible complaints would enable authorities to investigate individual officers and take necessary action rather than allowing unverified allegations to circulate publicly.

Force cautions against blanket accusations

The police further appealed to members of the public, particularly public commentators and social media influencers, to exercise responsibility when making allegations involving national security institutions.

The Force said legitimate criticism was necessary for accountability and could help strengthen policing, but warned that unsubstantiated claims could damage public trust and potentially undermine national security.

It reiterated its invitation to VeryDarkMan to provide the evidence behind his claims, stressing that allegations involving the security agencies required a corresponding standard of proof.

The development comes amid continuing concerns over kidnapping, banditry and other forms of insecurity across Nigeria, with security agencies facing increasing pressure to strengthen intelligence gathering, highway security and protection of citizens.