‘Do Nigerians Look Daft?’ - Rufai Questions Police Account Of Viral Footage

‘Do Nigerians Look Daft?’ – Rufai Questions Police Account Of Viral Footage
Police said armed men seen were registered vigilante operatives.
Arise anchor questioned officers waving at heavily armed convoy.

Arise News anchor, Rufai Oseni, has rejected the explanation provided by the Nigeria Police Force regarding a viral video showing police officers waving at a convoy of armed men riding motorcycles.

The video, which surfaced on Wednesday, sparked widespread reactions after it showed uniformed police officers appearing to greet a large group of armed individuals travelling in a convoy.

In response to public concerns, the police clarified that the men in the footage were not bandits but members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN).

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okonkon Edem Iniedu, the police explained that the individuals seen in the video were registered hunters working alongside security agencies in ongoing operations in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

According to the police, the footage captured a routine interaction between officers and security volunteers who were on their way to a designated operational area to support efforts aimed at combating criminal activities and improving public safety.

The statement further stressed that the men were not armed bandits, contrary to claims circulating on social media.

However, speaking during Arise Television’s Morning Show, Rufai Oseni dismissed the police explanation and questioned the conduct of the officers captured in the video.

He said: “Do they think Nigerians are daft or we don’t have brains?

“I don’t know when the police started giving salutes to vigilantes, and they carry some sophisticated weapons. So, the vigilante will be passing on motorcycle. Police will see them, police will be waving. Oh, vigilante, go ahead, go ahead.

“You see, we live in a mess. And this mess has been largely caused by our political class because of their own selfishness.”

‘Do Nigerians Look Daft?’ - Rufai Questions Police Account Of Viral Footage — ‘Do Nigerians Look Daft?’ – Rufai Questions Police Account Of Viral Footage

The comments have added to the debate surrounding the viral video, with many Nigerians continuing to question the circumstances surrounding the encounter between the police officers and the armed men.

The police have maintained that the individuals in the convoy were security volunteers supporting anti crime operations in Katsina State and not members of any criminal group.