The Nigeria Police Force has challenged social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to provide evidence supporting his allegation that some police officers aid kidnappers by passing information about travellers to criminals.

The Force made the demand in a statement issued on Thursday by its Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, following comments allegedly made by VDM at the recent Nigerian Bar Association Conference in Port Harcourt.

VDM had alleged that police officers manning checkpoints along major highways identify wealthy travellers and relay their details to kidnappers and bandits, who subsequently target them for abduction.

The Police described the allegation as serious but said no evidence had been presented to substantiate the claim.

It firmly rejected the allegation as unsubstantiated, saying it unfairly portrayed an institution whose personnel were deployed to protect citizens and prevent crime.

The Force said officers at checkpoints were routinely exposed to the same criminal elements they were deployed to confront, adding that police personnel had been ambushed, attacked and killed by terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals.

The Police, however, said it would not protect any officer found to have compromised their duty.

It stated that any individual officer found culpable would face internal disciplinary measures and the full weight of the law.

The Force therefore invited VDM to submit any evidence in his possession, particularly information showing that officers identify wealthy travellers and subsequently transmit their details to kidnappers.

It assured that any credible evidence provided would be treated urgently and thoroughly investigated.

The Police also encouraged members of the public with credible information on police misconduct to report through appropriate channels to enable investigations and necessary action.

The Force urged Nigerians to distinguish between legitimate criticism, which it said could strengthen accountability, and unverified allegations capable of undermining public confidence in security institutions.

It reiterated its commitment to investigating credible allegations of misconduct while urging the public to exercise responsibility when making claims concerning national security institutions.