They are recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters working alongside security agencies
By Frank Ulom
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Published on June 24, 2026
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2 min read
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that a police officer was seen interacting with armed bandits in a viral video recorded in Katsina State, describing the narrative as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the police clarified that the individuals featured in the video were not bandits but recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters working alongside security agencies in the state.
According to the statement, the security volunteers are actively supporting ongoing operations in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State as part of efforts to combat criminal activities and improve public safety.
The Force explained that the video captured a routine interaction between a police officer and the volunteers while they were heading to a designated operational area.
“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,” the statement said.
The police described allegations linking the officer to bandits as “entirely false, malicious, and intended to mislead the public.”
The NPF further condemned what it called the deliberate distortion of facts and the spread of misinformation capable of causing public anxiety, eroding confidence in security institutions, and undermining ongoing security operations.
It urged members of the public to disregard the claims attached to the video and to rely on information released through official police channels and authorised government sources.
The Force also warned individuals and groups involved in creating, publishing, or disseminating false information that could threaten public peace and security to desist from such acts.
It noted that appropriate legal action could be taken against those found responsible for spreading misinformation.
Reaffirming its commitment to community-based security partnerships, the Nigeria Police Force said it would continue to collaborate with legitimate security volunteers and other stakeholders to protect lives, safeguard communities, and tackle crime across the country.
