VDM reportedly made the allegation during the recent Nigerian Bar Association Conference in Port Harcourt, claiming that officers along major highways identify travellers and allegedly relay information about their movements and financial status to criminal groups, thereby facilitating kidnappings for ransom.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer,CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the Nigeria Police Force said it takes all allegations concerning the conduct of its personnel seriously.
The Force described the allegations as unsubstantiated, stressing that claims of such gravity require credible evidence.
It said officers deployed to checkpoints nationwide are responsible for preventing crime, detecting criminal activities and protecting citizens, rather than facilitating kidnapping operations.
According to the police, their personnel regularly confront kidnappers, terrorists and other violent criminals, with officers attacked and killed in ambushes, while police stations, formations and operational assets have also come under attack.
The Force further defended its officers against what it called blanket accusations, noting that hundreds of thousands of personnel continue to perform their duties under difficult, poorly resourced and dangerous conditions.
It said many officers stationed at checkpoints operate in locations where they are directly exposed to the same criminal elements they are expected to keep off the nation’s highways.
The police acknowledged that individual officers found to have compromised their duties would face disciplinary action and prosecution where applicable.
However, it maintained that the alleged misconduct of individuals should not be used to condemn the entire institution without supporting evidence.
The Force therefore invited VDM to present any evidence in his possession, particularly information showing that police officers identify wealthy travellers at checkpoints and deliberately transmit their details to kidnappers to facilitate their abduction.
It assured that any credible evidence received would be treated urgently and subjected to a thorough investigation.
The police also urged members of the public with information on alleged misconduct by officers to report through established channels, stressing that such reports would allow appropriate investigations and action to be taken.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Force said it would continue to investigate credible allegations against its personnel and would not hesitate to sanction officers found culpable.
The Force, through its spokesperson, urged Nigerians to exercise responsibility when making or sharing allegations concerning national security institutions.
It warned that while legitimate criticism can strengthen accountability, unverified allegations could undermine public confidence in security agencies and potentially threaten national security.
