The Nigeria Police Force has challenged social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence backing his allegation that some police officers at checkpoints leak travellers’ identities and movements to kidnappers and bandits.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the allegation, made during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt, was serious but remained unsubstantiated.
The Force rejected the claim as unfairly damaging to the police institution, insisting that officers deployed to checkpoints are tasked with preventing crime, detecting criminal activity and protecting motorists and other citizens.
According to the police, its personnel routinely confront the same criminal groups accused of receiving information from officers. It noted that several policemen had been ambushed and killed, while police stations, formations and operational assets had also come under attacks by terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals.
The statement also defended police officers working under difficult and dangerous conditions, saying sweeping accusations against the entire Force could demoralise personnel who carry out their duties with integrity.
However, the police stressed that officers found to have compromised their duties would face internal disciplinary measures and prosecution under 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 to facilitate abductions.
It promised that any credible information received would be treated urgently and investigated thoroughly.
The police further urged members of the public to report credible cases of officer misconduct through appropriate channels, arguing that legitimate criticism can strengthen accountability, while unverified allegations could undermine public trust and national security.
