‘Not Bandits’ — Police Force Clarify Identity of Armed Men in Viral Katsina Video

The claims comes following a viral video that  captured officers in police uniforms greeting armed men on motorcycles.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Anietie Iniedu identified the individuals seen in the video as members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters.

He added that hunters and vigilante members currently support security operations in Musawa and Matazu local government areas of Katsina State.

The statement reads, “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 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.”

Speaking further,  Iniedu urged Nigerians to ignore the claims linked to the video and rely on information released through official channels.

He also added, “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.”