Armed Men in Viral Katsina Video Are Vigilantes, Not Bandits, Police Say

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims that its personnel were seen fraternising with armed bandits in Katsina State, saying individuals captured in a viral video were members of recognised vigilante groups and registered hunters assisting security agencies in ongoing operations.

The clarification followed the circulation of a video on social media showing police officers interacting with armed men riding motorcycles, prompting allegations that the officers were collaborating with bandits.

However, the police described the claims as misleading and intended to create a false impression about the activities of security personnel in the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Force Public Relations Officer(FPRO), Anietie Iniedu, said those featured in the video were members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters working with security agencies to combat criminality in parts of Katsina State.

According to her, the volunteers have been supporting security operations in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas, where efforts are ongoing to tackle banditry and other security threats.

The police explained that the footage merely captured a routine interaction between an officer and the security volunteers as they headed to an operational area.

“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 suggestions linking the armed men to bandit groups were unfounded and deliberately crafted to mislead members of the public.

It warned that the spread of inaccurate information could undermine confidence in security institutions and hamper ongoing efforts to restore peace in troubled communities.

“Any claim suggesting otherwise is entirely false, malicious, and intended to mislead the public,” the police stated.

The Force also condemned what it described as the deliberate distortion of facts and circulation of misinformation capable of causing public anxiety.

According to the police, false narratives surrounding security operations could frustrate efforts by law enforcement agencies and community-based security groups working together to combat crime.

The police urged Nigerians to rely on information released through official channels and to verify claims before sharing them on social media platforms.

It further cautioned individuals and groups against creating or disseminating 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,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the police said it would continue to work with legitimate community-based security organisations and other stakeholders in the fight against crime across the country.

The Force added that collaboration between security agencies, vigilante groups and registered hunters remains an important component of efforts to improve safety and strengthen security in vulnerable communities.