The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims that one of its officers was seen interacting with bandits in a viral video circulating on social media, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
The Force said the video, which has attracted public attention and generated debate online, did not show police officers collaborating with criminals as claimed by some social media users. Instead, it showed a routine engagement between a police officer and members of recognized local security groups working alongside security agencies in Katsina State.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniesu, the police strongly rejected the allegations linked to the video. The spokesperson described the claims as a deliberate attempt to damage the image and reputation of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the statement, the individuals seen riding motorcycles in the footage were not bandits but members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters who were participating in security operations in parts of Katsina State.
“The video captured a routine interaction between a police officer and 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 police explained that the security volunteers were operating in collaboration with law enforcement agencies in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State. These areas, like several communities across the North-West region, have faced security challenges linked to banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other violent crimes.
The Force stressed that the men featured in the video are recognized partners in ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity and support government security operations at the community level.
“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 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 added.
The police further stated that claims portraying the men as bandits were entirely false and intended to mislead members of the public.
The statement described the circulation of the video with such allegations as an act of misinformation capable of creating fear and confusion among citizens. It warned that the spread of false information could weaken public confidence in security institutions and negatively affect ongoing efforts to restore peace in affected communities.
The Force condemned what it called the deliberate distortion of facts, noting that misinformation remains a major challenge in the digital age, especially when security matters are involved.
In recent years, social media has become a major source of information for many Nigerians. However, security agencies have repeatedly warned that unverified videos, photographs and messages often circulate online with misleading captions that do not reflect the true events shown in the content.
Authorities have argued that such misinformation can fuel panic, damage reputations and sometimes complicate security operations in areas facing security threats.
The latest clarification from the police comes against the backdrop of continuing efforts by security agencies to combat armed banditry and other criminal activities in parts of Katsina and neighbouring states. Katsina, the home state of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has remained one of the states most affected by insecurity in the North-West.
To address the challenge, security agencies have increasingly worked with local vigilante groups, hunters and community-based security volunteers who provide intelligence and support during operations. These groups often assist conventional security forces by helping to identify suspicious activities and monitor remote communities.
While the collaboration has been praised in some quarters for improving local security, it has also occasionally led to confusion when members of such groups are mistaken for criminals because they often move in large groups and carry equipment used during security operations.
The police therefore urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it online and to rely on official sources for updates on security matters.
The Force advised citizens to seek information from official communication channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorized government agencies rather than depending on unverified social media posts.
It also warned individuals and groups involved in creating or spreading false information to stop such activities immediately.
According to the statement, legal action may be taken against anyone found deliberately publishing or distributing false information capable of threatening public peace and security.
The police reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property across the country and called on Nigerians to support security agencies through responsible use of social media and prompt reporting of suspicious activities.
The Force maintained that cooperation between citizens and security institutions remains vital in the fight against crime and insecurity, stressing that accurate information is essential for effective security operations and public trust.