Police Rejects Allegations Of Collusion With Kidnappers

The Nigeria Police Force has rejected allegations that some of its officers manning checkpoints along major highways provide information about travellers to kidnappers and bandits to facilitate abductions for ransom.

The Force made its position known in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, in response to comments attributed to social media personality, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at the Nigerian Bar Association Conference in Port Harcourt.

VDM had alleged that police officers stationed at checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and subsequently relay information about their identities and movements to criminal groups, thereby aiding kidnapping operations.

Reacting, the Police described the allegations as serious and unsubstantiated, stressing that claims of such magnitude require credible evidence.

According to the Force, police personnel deployed to checkpoints and other strategic locations nationwide are assigned to prevent crime, detect criminal activity and protect citizens, rather than facilitate kidnapping.

It noted that police officers routinely confront criminal elements on the nation’s highways and other vulnerable locations, adding that several personnel have been ambushed, attacked and killed in the line of duty.

The Force also said police stations, formations and operational assets have been targeted by terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals.

While acknowledging that individual officers found to have compromised their duties would face disciplinary action and prosecution where necessary, the Police cautioned against what it described as blanket accusations against the entire institution.

The Force said its personnel operate under difficult, underfunded and often dangerous conditions, particularly officers deployed to checkpoints who are exposed to the same criminal elements they are tasked with preventing.

It, therefore, called on VDM to provide the evidence upon which he based his allegations, including any proof that officers identify wealthy travellers and transmit their information to kidnappers for the purpose of facilitating their abduction.

The police assured that any credible evidence submitted would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated.

The Force equally encouraged members of the public who have evidence of police misconduct to use appropriate channels to report such cases, rather than relying solely on public allegations.

It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the investigation of credible complaints against its personnel.

The police, however, urged Nigerians to exercise responsibility when making or circulating allegations concerning national security institutions, warning that unverified claims could undermine public confidence and potentially endanger national security.