The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims accompanying a viral social media video that allegedly showed a uniformed police officer interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State, describing the assertions as false and malicious.
NPF said the individuals seen in the video are members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters who are actively supporting security operations in the Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
The clarification was issued on Wednesday in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu.
"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.
"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 statement read.
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The Force condemned what it described as the deliberate distortion of facts and warned that the spread of such misinformation risked causing public anxiety and undermining confidence in security institutions.
"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 public was urged to disregard the claims linked to the video and to rely solely on information issued through official channels.
NPF also warned those behind the circulation of false information to stop or face legal consequences.
"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.
It reiterated its commitment to working with legitimate community-based security partners in efforts to combat crime and protect lives across the country.
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