The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has officially debunked as false and misleading a narrative accompanying a viral video circulating on social media.
The footage, which sparked public concern, alleged that a police officer was seen interacting with armed bandits traveling on motorcycles in Katsina State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Anietie Iniedu, clarified that the individuals captured in the video are not bandits.
Instead, they are duly recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters who are actively collaborating with security agencies to combat criminality in the Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
“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 (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 read.
The NPF explained that the video captured a routine interaction between a police officer and these security volunteers as they proceeded to a designated operational area.
The Force condemned the “deliberate distortion of facts and the circulation of misinformation” which it warned is capable of causing public anxiety, undermining confidence in security institutions, and frustrating ongoing security efforts.
The police further urged members of the public to disregard the misleading claims and rely only on information disseminated through official Nigeria Police Force channels and other authorized government sources.
The Force also issued a stern warning to individuals and groups engaged in the creation or dissemination of false information intended to prejudice public peace, stating that appropriate legal action may be taken against violators.
See video below:
