Police debunk claims of officer’s links with armed bandits

By Monday Ijeh

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has disclaimed a viral social media video alleging a uniformed officer was interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu issued the disclaimer in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

“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.

“They are actively supporting ongoing security operations in collaboration with security agencies in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State,” he said.

He said the video captured a routine interaction between a police officer and the security volunteers, proceeding to a designated operational area.

Iniedu said the movement was in support of efforts to combat criminality and enhance public safety.

According to him, any claim suggesting otherwise is entirely false, malicious, and intended to mislead the public.

He said the Nigeria Police Force strongly condemned 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.

Iniedu urged the public to disregard the misleading claims attached to the video and rely only on information disseminated through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised government sources.

He warned individuals and groups engaging in the creation, publication, or dissemination of false information capable of prejudicing public peace and security to desist immediately.

The police spokesman said appropriate legal action would be taken against violators.

He pledged the commitment of the NPF to work with legitimate community-based security stakeholders and other relevant partners to protect lives, safeguard communities, and combat crime across the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)E