The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that a viral video from Katsina State showed a police officer interacting with armed bandits, describing the allegations as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the police clarified that the individuals captured in the footage are recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters who work alongside security agencies in ongoing operations across Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
According to the police, the video showed a routine interaction between a police officer and the community security volunteers as they proceeded to a designated operational area in support of efforts to combat crime and improve security 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 statement said.
The Force maintained that any attempt to portray the armed men as bandits was inaccurate and intended to mislead members of the public.
“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,” it added.
The police expressed concern over what it described as the deliberate distortion of facts and the spread of misinformation capable of creating public anxiety and eroding confidence in security institutions.
“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 noted.
The Force urged Nigerians to disregard the claims attached to the video and rely only on information released through official channels of the police and other authorised government agencies.
It also warned individuals and groups against creating or disseminating false information capable of threatening public peace and security, stressing that offenders could face legal consequences.
“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 said.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to working with legitimate community-based security groups and other stakeholders in efforts to tackle crime and protect 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 added.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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