THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims accompanying a viral social media video alleging that a uniformed police officer was seen interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State, describing the reports as false, misleading and aimed at deceiving the public.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Anietie Iniedu, made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday, insisting that the individuals seen in the footage were not bandits but recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters assisting security agencies in the state.
According to the police, the individuals captured in the video are part of community-based security structures supporting operations in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
“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,” the statement said.
The Force maintained that any attempt to portray the encounter as collaboration between the police and bandits was entirely unfounded.
“Any claim suggesting otherwise is entirely false, malicious, and intended to mislead the public.
“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 clarification comes amid widespread circulation of the video on social media platforms, where some users alleged that a police officer was seen interacting with suspected bandits.
However, the NPF insisted that the armed individuals shown in the footage were legitimate security volunteers working alongside law enforcement agencies in efforts to combat criminal activities and improve public safety in affected communities.
Iniedu urged Nigerians to disregard the claims linked to the viral video and instead rely on information released through official channels.
He also warned against the deliberate creation and dissemination of false information capable of threatening public peace and security.
“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,” he said.
The police spokesperson reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening collaboration with legitimate community-based security groups and other stakeholders in the fight against crime across the country.
“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,” Iniedu stated.
The Force urged members of the public to verify security-related information through official sources and avoid spreading unverified claims capable of undermining ongoing security operations.