Police Break Silence on Viral Katsina Video, Deny Alleged Collusion with Bandits

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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed allegations contained in a viral social media video claiming that a police officer was seen fraternizing with armed bandits in Katsina State.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Force described the narrative accompanying the video as “false and misleading,” insisting that the armed individuals captured in the footage are legitimate community security volunteers assisting security agencies in combating criminal activities.

The statement, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, clarified that the men seen in the video are members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters operating in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

According to the police, the footage merely showed a routine operational engagement between a police officer and the local security volunteers as they moved to a designated location to support ongoing operations against criminal elements.

“The Nigeria Police Force categorically disclaims the false and misleading narrative accompanying a viral video circulating on social media which alleges that a uniformed police officer was seen interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State,” the statement read.

The Force condemned what it described as the deliberate spread of misinformation, warning that such false claims have the potential to create unnecessary panic, undermine public trust in security agencies, and hamper ongoing security efforts.

The police urged members of the public to disregard the viral claims and rely solely on information disseminated through official police channels and other authorized government sources.

The statement further warned that individuals or groups found responsible for creating or disseminating false information capable of threatening public peace and security could face legal consequences.

Reaffirming its commitment to tackling insecurity across the country, the Nigeria Police Force said it would continue to collaborate with legitimate community-based security outfits, including the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters, in the collective effort to protect lives and property.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns over misinformation on social media and its impact on national security operations.