Video captures police officers greeting armed bandits at checkpoint in Northwest Nigeria

A video has emerged showing suspected armed bandits moving freely through a police checkpoint, raising fresh concerns over security operations in parts of Northwest Nigeria.

In the footage obtained by SaharaReporters, police officers were seen directing and allegedly hailing a large group of armed men riding motorcycles as they passed through the checkpoint without interference.

Security sources said the incident reportedly occurred along a route between Zamfara State and Sokoto State.

In the video, a man recording the scene could be heard speaking in Hausa, expressing shock over the movement of the armed men.

“Bandits with their weapons are moving freely,” he said.

Another occupant of the vehicle immediately cautioned him against making further comments.

“Please keep quiet, why are you talking?” the individual responded.

The incident comes amid ongoing security challenges across several states in Northwest and North-Central Nigeria, including Zamfara State, Niger State, Katsina State and Sokoto State, where armed bandit groups have continued to carry out attacks, kidnappings and killings despite the deployment of military and police personnel.

In 2019, the Zamfara State Government under former Governor Bello Matawalle entered into a peace agreement with armed groups operating in the state.

However, despite the initiative, many communities continued to experience attacks, abductions and loss of lives, with residents frequently expressing concerns over the effectiveness of security measures in the region.

The authenticity of the video and the circumstances surrounding the officers’ conduct have yet to be officially addressed by the relevant security authorities.

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