The Nigeria Police Force Debunk VeryDarkMan Claim of Checkpoint Sharing Traveler Data with kidnappers

The Nigeria Police Force has formally responded to a claim made by social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at the recent Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt. VDM alleged that police officers stationed at highway checkpoints relay information about wealthy travelers to bandits and kidnappers, enabling abductions for ransom. In a press statement released from the Force Headquarters in Abuja on 27 August 2026, the police categorically rejected the allegation as unsubstantiated and damaging to the reputation of an institution tasked with protecting millions of Nigerians.

The statement outlined four key points. First, the Force stressed that the nature of the allegation requires solid proof, which has not been presented. It reminded the public that checkpoint officers are deployed to prevent crime, detect illegal activity, and safeguard citizens, not to facilitate criminal acts. The Force cited numerous instances where its personnel have been ambushed, attacked, and even killed by the very criminals they are accused of aiding. These attacks underscore the danger police face on daily patrols.

Second, the police highlighted the morale impact of blanket accusations. With hundreds of thousands of officers working under difficult, underfunded, and often hazardous conditions, sweeping statements that paint the entire force as complicit demoralize officers who serve with integrity. The statement affirmed that any officer found guilty of misconduct will face full disciplinary action under the law.

Third, the Force invited VDM to produce concrete evidence to support his claim. It urged him to submit any documents, recordings, or testimonies that show checkpoint officers identifying wealthy individuals and passing that information to kidnappers. The police pledged to treat any credible evidence with urgency and to launch a thorough investigation.

Finally, the statement reiterated the Force’s commitment to transparency and accountability. While it will investigate all credible reports of misconduct, it warned against casual, unverified allegations that can erode public trust and endanger national security. The Force called on the public to use official channels for reporting any wrongdoing and to distinguish between legitimate criticism and baseless claims.

CSP Ani Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, signed off the release, emphasizing that the safety of Nigerians remains the top priority and that the police will continue to fight crime despite attempts to malign its image.