- The Nigeria Police Force has refuted claims that a viral Katsina video showed police officers associating with bandits. According to the Force, the individuals seen were registered vigilantes and hunters supporting security operations in the state.
- Police authorities described the online narrative as misinformation, urging the public to verify information through official channels and warning against the spread of false security-related reports.
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed claims that a viral video from Katsina State showed police officers interacting with bandits, describing the narrative circulating online as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the police clarified that the individuals seen in the video were recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters working alongside security agencies in ongoing operations.
According to the police, the footage captured a routine interaction between a police officer and community security volunteers in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
The statement read in part:
“For the avoidance of doubt, the individuals featured in the video are not bandits. They are duly recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters who are actively supporting ongoing security operations in collaboration with security agencies.”
The Force accused some individuals of deliberately distorting the facts to create public anxiety and undermine confidence in security institutions.
The police also urged Nigerians to rely on information from official channels and warned that those found spreading false information capable of affecting public peace and security could face legal consequences.
The statement further reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to working with legitimate community-based security stakeholders in the fight against crime across the country.
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