Police Clear Air on Viral Video from Katsina

The Nigeria Police Force has said claims about a police officer seen with armed bandits in a viral video from Katsina State are false. The police explained that the people in the video are members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters helping out with security in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas.

This information came out in a statement on Wednesday from the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu. He said the video showed a normal interaction between the police officer and the security volunteers as they headed to an operational area.

The statement said, “For the avoidance of doubt, 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.”

It continued, “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 Force condemned the spreading of false information. They said such actions could create public fear and harm trust in security agencies.

“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 said.

The police asked the public to ignore the claims about the video and to trust only information from official sources. They also warned those who spread false information that they may face legal action.

“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,” it added.

The Force reiterated its commitment to working with real community-based security groups and other relevant partners to fight crime and protect lives across the country.