Officer in viral Kastina video was with vigilantes, not bandits – Police

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed as false and misleading claims accompanying a viral video on social media alleging that a uniformed police officer was seen interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State.

The Force clarified that the individuals seen in the video are members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters assisting security agencies in ongoing operations in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of the state.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, clarifying that the video captured a routine interaction between a police officer and the security volunteers as they proceeded to a designated operational area.

The statement read, “For the avoidance of doubt, the individuals featured in the video are not bandits. They are duly recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters who are actively supporting ongoing security operations in collaboration with security agencies in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.”

It added, “The video captured a routine interaction between a police officer and these security volunteers as they proceeded to a designated operational area in support of efforts to combat criminality and enhance public safety. Any claim suggesting otherwise is entirely false, malicious, and intended to mislead the public.”

The Force condemned what it described as the deliberate distortion of facts and the spread of misinformation capable of causing public anxiety and undermining confidence in security institutions.

“The Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns the deliberate distortion of facts and the circulation of misinformation capable of causing public anxiety, undermining confidence in security institutions, and frustrating ongoing security operations,” the statement said.

The police urged members of the public to disregard the claims linked to the video and rely only on information released through official channels.

The statement further warned those responsible for creating or circulating false information to desist or risk legal consequences.

“The Force warns individuals and groups engaged in the creation, publication, or dissemination of false information capable of prejudicing public peace and security to desist immediately, as appropriate legal action may be taken against violators,” it added.

The Force reiterated its commitment to working with legitimate community-based security stakeholders and other relevant partners in efforts to combat crime and protect lives across the country.