Katsina Video: Men Captured With Officer Are Vigilantes, Not Bandits — NPF

​ABUJA — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has debunked a viral social media video alleging that a uniformed police officer was captured interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State.

​In a strongly-worded press release issued from the Force Headquarters on Wednesday night, newly appointed Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, described the narrative accompanying the footage as malicious, entirely false, and a deliberate distortion of facts designed to trigger public anxiety.

​According to the police, the armed individuals seen in the video are actually registered hunters and recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). The local security volunteers are actively collaborating with state security networks in ongoing counter-banditry operations within the Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

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​Intelligence sources have added that the volunteers were riding motorcycles to a designated operational zone and were carrying legally authorized firearms permitted for licensed hunters. Security analysts noted that none of the men wore the military or police camouflage often used by local terrorist groups to evade detection.

​The NPF clarified that the footage merely captured a routine, brief coordination check between the field officer and the community-based security partners.

​“The Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns the deliberate circulation of misinformation capable of undermining confidence in security institutions and frustrating ongoing tactical operations,” CSP Iniedu stated.

​The police high command warned that individuals or groups caught manufacturing or spreading fake news that threatens public peace will face strict legal prosecution. Members of the public are advised to ignore the social media rumor mill and rely strictly on verified security updates distributed through official government channels.

​The police leadership reaffirmed its commitment to fostering transparent partnerships with legitimate community stakeholders to eradicate criminal elements across the country.