NPF debunks banditry allegation in viral Katsina video, says armed men are vigilantes, hunters

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims that a viral video circulating on social media showed a police officer interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State, describing the narrative as false, misleading and malicious.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the police clarified that the armed individuals seen in the footage were not bandits but recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters supporting security operations in the state.

According to the police, the volunteers are actively collaborating with security agencies in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State as part of ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance public safety.

The Force explained that the video captured a routine interaction between a police officer and the community-based security volunteers as they moved to a designated operational area.

“The individuals featured in the video are not bandits. They are duly recognised 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 police condemned what it described as the deliberate distortion of facts and the spread of misinformation capable of creating public anxiety, undermining confidence in security institutions and frustrating ongoing security operations.

The Force urged members of the public to disregard claims attached to the viral footage and rely only on information released through official channels.

“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 added.

The police further warned individuals and groups involved in creating, publishing or disseminating false information capable of threatening public peace and security to desist, noting that legal action could be taken against offenders.

The NPF reaffirmed its commitment to working with legitimate community-based security groups and other relevant stakeholders in the collective fight against crime and insecurity across the country.

The clarification comes amid widespread reactions to the viral video, which had sparked concerns and criticism on social media over the perceived relationship between security personnel and armed groups.

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