The Nigeria Police Force has vowed to take disciplinary and legal action against any of its personnel found to have compromised their duties, while rejecting blanket accusations linking police officers to kidnapping incidents across the country.
The Force stated this in reaction to allegations made by Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Port Harcourt, where he alleged that police officers manning checkpoints along major highways relay information about travellers to kidnappers and bandits to facilitate abductions for ransom.
According to an official statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the Police takes allegations concerning the conduct of its personnel seriously and remains committed to investigating credible claims of misconduct.
The Force, however, described the allegations as unsubstantiated and unfairly damaging to an institution responsible for protecting millions of Nigerians.
“Where individual officers are found to have compromised their duty, they will face the full weight of internal discipline and the law,” the statement said.
The Police stressed that personnel deployed to checkpoints and other locations nationwide were tasked with preventing crime, detecting criminal activity and protecting citizens, rather than facilitating kidnapping.
It noted that police officers routinely confront terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals, with some personnel losing their lives in attacks and ambushes by criminal elements.
The Force also pointed out that police stations, formations and operational assets had been targeted by terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals, arguing that such realities underscored the risks faced by officers in the discharge of their duties.
While reaffirming its willingness to act against erring personnel, the Police said the entire institution should not be condemned on the basis of public allegations made without evidence.
The Force therefore challenged VeryDarkMan to provide evidence supporting his claims, particularly any information showing that checkpoint officers identify wealthy travellers and transmit their details to kidnappers for the purpose of facilitating their abduction.
It assured that any credible evidence submitted would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated.
The Police further urged members of the public with evidence of officer misconduct to come forward through appropriate channels, stressing that such reports would enable the authorities to investigate and take necessary action.
The Force called for responsibility in making and sharing allegations concerning national security institutions, noting that legitimate criticism could strengthen accountability, while unsubstantiated claims could undermine public trust and national security.
