The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has refuted claims circulating on social media that a police officer was seen interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State, describing the narrative attached to a viral video as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on June 24, 2026, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, clarified that the individuals featured in the video are not bandits but recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters working alongside security agencies.
According to the police, the video captured a routine interaction between a police officer and the security volunteers as they headed to a designated operational area in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State to support ongoing efforts against criminal activities.
The Force stated that allegations suggesting the armed men were bandits are entirely false and were deliberately spread to mislead the public.
The Nigeria Police Force condemned what it described as the distortion of facts and the dissemination of misinformation capable of causing public anxiety, weakening trust in security institutions, and undermining ongoing security operations.
The police urged members of the public to disregard the claims attached to the viral video and rely solely on information released through official police channels and other authorized government sources.
The statement also warned individuals and groups involved in creating or spreading false information that threatens public peace and security to desist immediately, noting that legal action could be taken against offenders.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Nigeria Police Force stated that it will continue to work closely with legitimate community-based security groups and other relevant stakeholders in the fight against crime and the protection of lives and property across Nigeria.
Public Advisory: Citizens are encouraged to verify information before sharing it on social media and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that may create panic or undermine security efforts. Responsible information sharing contributes to peace, security, and national development.