Police Reject Allegations of Collusion With Kidnappers, Challenge VDM to Provide Evidence

The Nigeria Police Force has rejected allegations that some of its officers deployed to checkpoints along major highways provide information to kidnappers and bandits to facilitate the abduction of travellers.

The Force, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the allegations made by Mr Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt, were unsubstantiated.

According to the police, VDM had alleged that officers manning checkpoints relay information about the identity and movement of travellers to criminal elements, who subsequently use the information to carry out kidnappings for ransom.

The Force said it takes allegations concerning the conduct of its personnel seriously but insisted that claims of such magnitude require credible evidence.
It maintained that police officers deployed to checkpoints nationwide are responsible for preventing crime, detecting criminal activities and protecting citizens, rather than facilitating kidnappings.

The police also defended its personnel, noting that officers routinely confront criminal elements and have themselves been attacked and killed, while police stations, formations and operational assets have also been targeted by terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals.

The Force further called on VDM to provide evidence supporting his allegations, including any proof that police personnel identify wealthy travellers and pass their information to kidnappers.
It said any credible evidence submitted would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated, while officers found culpable would face internal disciplinary measures and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The police also urged members of the public to report credible evidence of misconduct through appropriate channels rather than relying solely on public allegations.
The Force warned against unsubstantiated claims concerning national security institutions, saying such allegations could undermine public trust and national security, while stressing that legitimate criticism remains important for accountability.