The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed claims surrounding a viral video circulating on social media that allegedly shows a police officer interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Force described the narrative accompanying the footage as false and misleading, clarifying that the individuals featured in the video are recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters working alongside security agencies.
According to the police, the volunteers were engaged in ongoing security operations in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State and were moving to an assigned operational location when the footage was recorded.
The Force explained that the video captured a routine interaction between a police officer and the security volunteers, stressing that suggestions linking the individuals to banditry are unfounded.
“The video captured a routine interaction between a police officer and these security volunteers as they proceeded to a designated operational area in support of efforts to combat criminality and enhance public safety. Any claim suggesting otherwise is entirely false, malicious, and intended to mislead the public.”
The police condemned what it described as a deliberate attempt to distort facts and spread misinformation capable of creating public anxiety, weakening trust in security institutions, and hindering security operations.
It urged members of the public to ignore the claims attached to the video and rely on information released through official police channels and other authorized government sources.
The Force also warned against the creation and dissemination of false information that could threaten public peace and security, noting that offenders may face legal consequences.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Nigeria Police Force said it would continue collaborating with legitimate community-based security groups and relevant stakeholders to protect lives, secure communities, and combat crime nationwide.
