The Nigeria Police Force has challenged social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to provide evidence for his allegation that some police officers share information about travellers with kidnappers.
The allegation was made during the Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt, according to the police.
In a statement on Thursday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, described the claim as unsubstantiated and damaging to the reputation of the police.
VeryDarkMan alleged that some officers at checkpoints along major highways identify wealthy travellers and pass information about their movements to kidnappers and bandits.
The police said it takes allegations of misconduct seriously but insisted that claims involving criminal conduct must be supported by credible evidence.
Iniedu urged VeryDarkMan to submit any evidence showing that police officers had shared travellers’ identities or movements with criminals to facilitate abductions.
The Force said it would investigate any credible information and take appropriate action if officers were found to have breached their duties.
It also warned against making blanket accusations against police personnel, saying officers deployed to checkpoints regularly confront criminals and have suffered attacks and deaths while on duty.
The police said officers found to have compromised their responsibilities would face disciplinary action and prosecution where necessary.
The Force urged members of the public to submit credible allegations through appropriate authorities to allow investigations to take place.
It also called for responsible reporting of allegations involving national security institutions, warning that unverified claims could undermine public confidence and national security.
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