The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that a police officer was seen fraternising with armed bandits in Katsina State, describing the narrative attached to a viral video as false, misleading and deliberately designed to undermine public confidence in security agencies.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Force clarified that the armed individuals captured in the video are not bandits but recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters working alongside security agencies in ongoing operations across Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
According to the police, the footage showed a routine interaction between a police officer and the community security volunteers as they moved to a designated operational area to support efforts aimed at combating criminal activities and improving public safety in the affected communities.
“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 in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State,” the Force stated.
The police stressed that allegations suggesting the officer was interacting with bandits were entirely unfounded. “Any claim suggesting otherwise is entirely false, malicious, and intended to mislead the public,” the statement added.
The clarification follows widespread circulation of the video on social media platforms, where some users alleged that security personnel were collaborating with armed criminal groups operating in the North-West. The police said such misinformation has the potential to create unnecessary public anxiety and damage ongoing efforts to restore security in troubled communities.
Condemning the spread of false information, the NPF warned against the deliberate distortion of facts capable of undermining trust in security institutions and disrupting ongoing operations against criminal elements.
“The Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns the deliberate distortion of facts and the circulation of misinformation capable of causing public anxiety, undermining confidence in security institutions, and frustrating ongoing security operations,” the statement said.
The Force urged Nigerians to disregard the claims attached to the viral video and rely solely on information released through official police channels and other authorized government sources.
It also cautioned individuals and groups involved in creating or disseminating false information that threatens public peace and security, warning that legal action could be taken against offenders.
Reaffirming its commitment to tackling crime nationwide, the police emphasized the importance of collaboration with legitimate community-based security groups, noting that partnerships with vigilantes, hunters and other recognized local stakeholders remain a critical component of efforts to safeguard lives and property across the country.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to working with legitimate community-based security stakeholders and other relevant partners in the collective effort to protect lives, safeguard communities, and combat crime across the country,” the statement concluded.
