The Nigeria Police Force has officially invited social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to substantiate allegations that police personnel manning highway checkpoints collude with criminal elements to facilitate abductions.
The controversy stems from statements made by Otse while serving as a panelist at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. During the session, the activist publicly questioned the effectiveness of security operations on key transit corridors, asserting that officers at checkpoints identify high-value travelers and relay their movement details directly to kidnappers and armed bandits for ransom purposes.
Rebutting the claims in a statement released on Thursday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, firmly rejected the allegations, describing them as unsubstantiated and demoralizing to officers who routinely risk their lives confronting violent criminals on major highways.
The police spokesperson stressed that personnel deployed across the nation serve to prevent crime and protect citizens, noting that many officers have themselves been targeted, ambushed, or killed by bandits.
Consequently, the police authority called on Otse to present any actionable evidence or data backing his claims without delay, promising that any verified submission will be investigated with urgency and followed by strict legal prosecution of any culpable personnel. The Force further urged the public to utilize formal reporting channels for allegations of misconduct rather than airing unverified claims that undermine national security and erode public trust.
