By Yusuf Aminu Yusuf
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed as false and misleading a viral video circulating on social media alleging that a uniformed police officer was seen fraternising with armed bandits on motorcycles in Katsina State.
In a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, the Force clarified that the individuals captured in the video were not bandits but recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters supporting ongoing security operations in parts of the state.
According to the statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the volunteers were working alongside security agencies in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
“The Nigeria Police Force categorically disclaims the false and misleading narrative accompanying a viral video circulating on social media which alleges that a uniformed police officer was seen interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State,” the statement said.
The police explained that the video merely captured a routine interaction between an officer and community-based security volunteers who were heading to an operational area as part of efforts to tackle criminal activities and improve public safety.
“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 in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State,” the statement added.
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The Force further stated that “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.”
It stressed that any suggestion that the officer was interacting with bandits was “entirely false, malicious, and intended to mislead the public.”
The police condemned what it described as the deliberate distortion of facts and the spread of misinformation capable of creating public anxiety, weakening trust in security institutions and undermining ongoing security efforts.
“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.
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The Force urged Nigerians to ignore the claims attached to the video and rely only on information released through official police channels and authorised government sources, warning individuals and groups involved in creating, publishing or sharing false information capable of threatening public peace and security to desist, noting that legal action could be taken against offenders.
“The Force warns individuals and groups engaged in the creation, publication, or dissemination of false information capable of prejudicing public peace and security to desist immediately, as appropriate legal action may be taken against violators,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Nigeria Police Force said it would continue collaborating with legitimate community-based security stakeholders and other relevant partners in the fight against crime 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 added.
