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The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed claims circulating on social media that a police officer was seen fraternising with armed bandits in Katsina State, describing the narrative attached to a viral video as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Force clarified that the armed individuals featured in the video are recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters assisting security agencies in ongoing operations in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
According to the police, the footage merely captured a routine interaction between a police officer and the community security volunteers as they headed to a designated operational area to support efforts aimed at combating crime and enhancing public safety.
The Force stressed that assertions suggesting the individuals were bandits are entirely unfounded and were deliberately crafted to mislead members of the public.
The police condemned what it described as the distortion of facts and the spread of misinformation capable of creating unnecessary fear, eroding public confidence in security institutions and undermining ongoing security operations.
It urged Nigerians to disregard the claims linked to the video and rely only on information released through official police channels and other authorised government sources.
The Force also warned individuals and groups involved in the creation and dissemination of false information that threatens public peace and security to desist, noting that legal action could be taken against offenders.
Reaffirming its commitment to tackling insecurity, the Nigeria Police Force said it would continue to collaborate with legitimate community-based security groups and other stakeholders in efforts to protect lives, secure communities and combat crime across the country.
