The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has refuted 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, misleading, and deliberately designed to misinform the public.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Force Headquarters in Abuja clarified that the individuals captured in the widely circulated footage are not bandits as alleged by some online commentators. Rather, they are recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered local hunters who are working alongside security agencies in ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities in parts of Katsina State.
The police explained that the video showed a routine interaction between a uniformed police officer and community-based security volunteers who were on their way to participate in security operations within Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of the state.
According to the Force, the volunteers featured in the footage are legitimate partners in community security initiatives and have been actively collaborating with law enforcement agencies in the fight against banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality affecting communities in the region.
The clarification comes in response to widespread reactions generated by the video after it surfaced on social media platforms. Several users had interpreted the footage as evidence that security personnel were interacting with suspected bandits, prompting concerns and criticism from members of the public.
However, the Nigeria Police Force insisted that such interpretations are entirely inaccurate and do not reflect the true circumstances surrounding the video.
“The individuals featured in the video are not bandits. They are duly recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria 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 noted.
The Force emphasized that the encounter shown in the footage was part of routine operational activities and should not be construed as evidence of any form of collaboration between police personnel and criminal elements.
According to the statement, the volunteers were proceeding to a designated operational location where they were expected to assist in efforts aimed at improving security and protecting local communities from criminal attacks.
Police authorities expressed concern over what they described as the deliberate manipulation of facts surrounding the video. The Force accused those responsible for spreading the narrative of attempting to create public anxiety and undermine confidence in security institutions.
The statement stressed that misinformation of this nature can have serious consequences, particularly at a time when security agencies are intensifying efforts to address challenges posed by banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the country.
“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 said.
The Force further condemned what it described as the reckless dissemination of unverified information, warning that false narratives can jeopardize ongoing security operations and erode public trust in institutions charged with maintaining law and order.
Security officials noted that community-based security groups such as the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters have played important roles in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and support operations in several parts of the country, particularly in rural areas where local knowledge can be crucial to security efforts.
The police therefore urged citizens to exercise caution before sharing information online and to verify claims through credible and official sources before drawing conclusions.
Members of the public were specifically advised to disregard the allegations attached to the viral video and rely on information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorized government agencies.
The statement reiterated the Force’s commitment to transparency and responsible communication, emphasizing that accurate information remains essential to maintaining public confidence and supporting effective security operations.
In addition, the police issued a warning to individuals and groups involved in creating, publishing, or circulating false information capable of disrupting public peace or undermining national security.
According to the Force, those found deliberately spreading misinformation that threatens public order may face legal consequences under applicable laws.
“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 Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with legitimate community security stakeholders across the country as part of a broader strategy to tackle insecurity and safeguard lives and property.
Police authorities emphasized that partnerships with recognized local security volunteers remain an important component of efforts to strengthen community policing and improve security outcomes in vulnerable areas.
The statement concluded by assuring Nigerians that the Force remains dedicated to protecting communities, combating crime, and working with relevant stakeholders to enhance public safety nationwide.
The clarification was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, and issued from the Force Headquarters in Abuja on June 24, 2026.
