Police Debunk Viral Katsina Bandit Video, Confirm Partnership with Community Security Volunteers
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that a police officer was seen fraternising with armed bandits in Katsina State, describing the narrative as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the police clarified that the individuals featured in the viral video are not bandits but duly recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters working alongside security agencies.
According to the statement, the video captured a routine interaction between a police officer and the community security volunteers as they were heading to a designated operational area in support of ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
The Force said any suggestion that the officer was interacting with bandits was entirely false, malicious and intended to mislead the public.
The police condemned the deliberate spread of misinformation, warning that such actions could create unnecessary panic, undermine public confidence in security institutions and frustrate ongoing security operations.
The NPF urged members of the public to disregard the misleading claims and rely only on information released through official police channels and other authorised government sources.
The statement further warned individuals and groups involved in creating or disseminating false information capable of threatening public peace and security to desist immediately, noting that legal action could be taken against violators.
Reaffirming its commitment to tackling insecurity, the Nigeria Police Force said it would continue to work closely with legitimate community-based security stakeholders and other relevant partners to protect lives, safeguard communities and combat crime across the country.
