Abuja, June 25, 2026 – The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed claims circulating on social media that one of its officers was seen interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu.
According to the police spokesperson, the individuals captured in the viral video were neither bandits nor criminal elements but recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters assisting security agencies in the state.
He explained that the volunteers are actively involved in supporting ongoing security operations in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina.
Iniedu stated that the footage merely showed a routine interaction between a police officer and the security volunteers as they moved towards an operational location in furtherance of efforts to tackle criminal activities and improve public safety.
He maintained that suggestions portraying the encounter as collaboration with bandits were completely unfounded and aimed at deceiving members of the public.
The police condemned what it described as a deliberate attempt to distort facts through the circulation of false information capable of generating unnecessary fear, weakening public confidence in security institutions and undermining ongoing operations.
The Force urged citizens to ignore the claims attached to the video and rely only on verified information released through official police communication channels and authorised government platforms.
It also warned individuals and groups involved in producing or spreading misinformation that threatens public peace and national security to desist from such acts.
According to the statement, those found culpable of disseminating false information would face appropriate legal consequences.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with legitimate community-based security groups and other stakeholders in its efforts to protect lives, secure communities and strengthen the fight against crime across the country.