Police challenge VeryDarkMan to substantiate allegations of officers aiding kidnappers

By Philippine Duru

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The Nigeria Police Force has challenged social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence backing his allegations that some police officers at checkpoints supply kidnappers and bandits with information about travellers.

The Force reacted to comments reportedly made by VDM at the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt, where he alleged that police personnel stationed along major highways identify wealthy travellers and relay information about their identities and movements to criminal gangs, thereby facilitating kidnappings for ransom.

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, described the allegations as unsubstantiated and damaging to an institution responsible for protecting millions of Nigerians.

According to the police, allegations of such magnitude require credible evidence, stressing that no such evidence had been presented so far.

The Force maintained that officers deployed to checkpoints nationwide are assigned to prevent crime, detect criminal activities and protect road users, rather than facilitate kidnappings.

It noted that police personnel regularly confront kidnappers, bandits, terrorists and other violent criminals, adding that several officers had been ambushed, attacked and killed in the line of duty.

The police also said its stations, formations and operational assets had been targeted by criminal elements.

The Force further defended its personnel against what it described as blanket accusations, saying hundreds of thousands of officers work daily under difficult, underfunded and dangerous conditions.

It acknowledged that individual officers found to have compromised their duties would face disciplinary measures and prosecution where appropriate, but argued that the entire institution should not be condemned based on allegations made without evidence.

The Nigeria Police Force subsequently invited VDM to produce the evidence supporting his claims, particularly any evidence showing that officers at checkpoints identify wealthy individuals and transmit information about them to kidnappers to facilitate their abduction.

The Force said any credible evidence provided would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated.

It also encouraged members of the public who possess evidence of police misconduct to report such cases through appropriate channels to enable investigations and necessary action.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and accountability, saying credible allegations of misconduct would continue to be investigated regardless of how they emerge.

However, the Force urged the public to exercise responsibility when making or sharing allegations concerning national security institutions.

It said there was a need to distinguish between legitimate criticism, which could strengthen accountability, and unsubstantiated claims, which could undermine public trust and national security.

The statement was signed by CSP Ani Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on August 27, 2026.