Police Dismiss Viral Katsina Video Claim, Say Armed Men Were Security Volunteers

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has debunked claims circulating on social media that a police officer was seen fraternizing with armed bandits in Katsina State, describing the narrative attached to a viral video as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the police clarified that the individuals featured in the video were not bandits but recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters assisting security agencies in ongoing operations across parts of Katsina State.

According to the police, the video captured a routine interaction between a serving police officer and the community-based security volunteers as they moved toward a designated operational area in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas to support efforts aimed at tackling criminal activities and enhancing public safety.

"The individuals featured in the video are not bandits. They are duly recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters actively supporting ongoing security operations in collaboration with security agencies," the statement said.

The Force condemned what it described as the deliberate distortion of facts and the spread of misinformation capable of creating public anxiety, eroding trust in security institutions, and undermining ongoing security efforts.

The police urged members of the public to disregard the claims attached to the video and rely on information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorized government agencies.

The statement further warned individuals and groups involved in producing, publishing, or disseminating false information that could threaten public peace and security to desist from such acts, noting that offenders may face legal consequences.

Reaffirming its commitment to community-based security initiatives, the Nigeria Police Force said it would continue to work closely with legitimate local security stakeholders and relevant partners in the collective fight against crime and the protection of lives and property across the country.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns over misinformation on social media and its potential impact on public confidence in security operations nationwide.