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The Nigeria Police Force has debunked a viral video which allegedly showed a police officer interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State, as false.
According to the police in a Facebook post on 24th June 2026, the individuals featured in the video were not bandits. Instead, they were recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters. These security volunteers have been actively collaborating with security agencies in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
The police explained that the video showed a routine interaction between a police officer and the security volunteers as they moved towards an operational area. This was part of their collective efforts to combat criminal activities and improve public safety. They stressed that any claims suggesting otherwise were completely false, malicious, and aimed at misleading the public.
The Nigeria Police Force condemned the intentional distortion of facts and the spread of misinformation that could cause public anxiety, undermine confidence in security institutions, and hinder ongoing security efforts. They urged the public to disregard the false claims associated with the video.
Furthermore, the police warned individuals or groups involved in sharing false information that could threaten public peace to stop immediately. They indicated that legal action might be taken against violators.
The force reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with legitimate community security stakeholders to protect lives, and fight crime across Nigeria.
