Viral Video Misrepresented, Individuals Were Security Volunteers

Viral Video Misrepresented, Individuals Were Security Volunteers – Police
Individuals in viral video identified as vigilantes and hunters.
Force warned against spreading misinformation about security operations.

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports alleging that its operatives allowed armed bandits to pass through a checkpoint without challenge in Katsina State.

The police also refuted claims that officers were seen hailing the individuals as they passed through the checkpoint.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement issued on Wednesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okonkon Edem Iniedu, said the individuals captured in a viral video circulating on social media were not armed bandits as widely alleged.

According to the police spokesperson, those seen riding motorcycles in the footage are recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters working alongside security agencies in ongoing operations in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

Iniedu explained that the video showed a routine interaction between a police officer and the security volunteers as they travelled to a designated operational area to support efforts aimed at combating crime and improving public safety.

He described claims that the individuals were bandits as false and misleading, urging members of the public to disregard the narrative attached to the video.

The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force categorically disclaims the false and misleading narrative accompanying a viral video circulating on social media which alleges that a uniformed police officer was seen interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State.

“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 (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 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 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.

“Members of the public are urged to disregard the misleading claims attached to the video and rely only on information disseminated through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorized government sources.

“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.

Viral Video Misrepresented, Individuals Were Security Volunteers - Police — Viral Video Misrepresented, Individuals Were Security Volunteers – Police

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to working with legitimate community-based security stakeholders and other relevant partners in the collective effort to protect lives, safeguard communities, and combat crime across the country.”