The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed as false a viral video circulating on social media that allegedly showed a uniformed police officer fraternising with armed bandits in Katsina State.
In an official statement issued on Wednesday, the Force identified the individuals in the clip not as criminals but as duly registered members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and local hunters actively supporting security operations in the state.
The video, which had sparked widespread anxiety and condemnation online, captured a routine interaction between the officer and the security volunteers as they were proceeding to a designated operational area within Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas, according to police authorities.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, described the original narrative accompanying the footage as “entirely false, malicious, and intended to mislead the public.”
“The Nigeria Police Force categorically disclaims the false and misleading narrative accompanying a viral video circulating on social media which alleges that a uniformed police officer was seen interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State,” the statement read.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the individuals featured in the video are not bandits. They are duly recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters.”
The police warning comes amid heightened security concerns in the North-West, where banditry and kidnapping remain significant threats.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with legitimate community-based security stakeholders, noting that partnerships with vigilantes and hunters have been crucial in intelligence gathering and combat operations.
The statement further condemned the deliberate spread of misinformation, warning that the creation and dissemination of false content capable of prejudicing public peace and security would attract legal consequences.
“Members of the public are urged to disregard the misleading claims attached to the video and rely only on information disseminated through official channels,” the Force Public Relations Officer added.
“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 Police also warned individuals and groups engaged in the publication of false information to desist immediately, as appropriate legal action may be taken against violators.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and to verify security-related content through official government sources before sharing on social media platforms.
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