The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed as false and misleading claims in a viral video that showed a uniformed officer interacting with armed men in Katsina State, clarifying that the men are registered community security volunteers.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the Police said the individuals are members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, and registered hunters supporting security operations in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the individuals featured in the video are not bandits. They are duly recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters actively supporting ongoing security operations,” the statement read.
The Force explained that the video captured a routine interaction between the police officer and the volunteers as they moved to a designated operational area to combat criminality and enhance public safety.
The NPF condemned what it called a “deliberate distortion of facts” and warned that such misinformation can cause public anxiety, undermine confidence in security institutions, and frustrate ongoing operations.
“Any claim suggesting otherwise is entirely false, malicious, and intended to mislead the public,” CSP Edem Iniedu stated.
Members of the public were urged to disregard the misleading claims and rely only on information from official NPF channels and authorized government sources.
The Force also warned individuals or groups creating, publishing, or sharing false information capable of threatening public peace to desist immediately, noting that legal action may be taken against violators.
The Police reaffirmed its commitment to working with legitimate community-based security stakeholders to protect lives and combat crime nationwide.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to working with legitimate community-based security stakeholders and other relevant partners in the collective effort to safeguard communities and combat crime across the country,” the statement concluded.
