Viral Katsina video: NPF reveals identity of armed men seen with police officer

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims that a police officer seen in a viral Katsina video was interacting with bandits, insisting that the armed men in the footage are recognised community security volunteers.

The Force said the viral narrative was false, misleading and capable of creating public panic, especially at a time security agencies are working with local volunteers to tackle criminality in parts of Katsina State.

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the police said the individuals seen in the video were not bandits but members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, and registered hunters.

According to the statement, the volunteers are supporting ongoing security operations in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

“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 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 said.

The Force explained that the video only captured a routine interaction between a police officer and the security volunteers as they moved to a designated operational area.

It said the interaction was part of collaborative efforts to combat crime and strengthen public safety in the affected communities.

The police described the claim that the officer was dealing with bandits as false, malicious and deliberately designed to mislead the public.

“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 statement added.

The NPF condemned what it called the deliberate distortion of facts, warning that misinformation around security operations could heighten fear, weaken public confidence in security institutions and frustrate ongoing operations.

It urged Nigerians to disregard the claims attached to the video and rely only on verified information from official police and government channels.

The Force also warned individuals and groups spreading false information capable of disturbing public peace and security to stop immediately.

It said legal action could be taken against those found creating, publishing or circulating such misleading claims.

“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 said.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to working with legitimate community-based security stakeholders and other partners to protect lives, secure communities and fight crime across the country.