Kastina video shows police with vigilantes, not bandits, says Nigeria Police

The Nigeria Police Force has strongly refuted claims circulating on social media that a uniformed police officer was seen with armed bandits in Katsina State, as depicted in a viral video. The Force clarified that the individuals featured in the footage are members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters who are actively collaborating with security agencies.

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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.

According to a statement released by Force Public Relations Officer Anietie Iniedu, the video actually shows a routine interaction between a police officer and these security volunteers. They were reportedly proceeding to a designated operational area to support ongoing efforts against criminality in the Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State. The police emphasized that any suggestion otherwise is "entirely false, malicious, and intended to mislead the public."

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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 deliberate distortion of facts and the circulation of misinformation, stating that such actions can cause public anxiety, erode confidence in security institutions, and hinder ongoing security operations. They urged the public to disregard the false claims associated with the video and to rely solely on information disseminated through official police channels.

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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.

Furthermore, the police issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in creating or spreading false information that could jeopardize public peace and security. They stated that appropriate legal action would be taken against violators. The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to working with legitimate community-based security stakeholders and other partners to combat crime and protect lives across the nation.

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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.