The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed claims that armed men seen in a viral video being acknowledged by a police officer in Katsina State were bandits, describing the individuals as registered vigilantes and hunters assisting security agencies in the fight against crime.
The clarification was made by the Force’s New Media Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi Giwa, following widespread reactions to the video shared on social media by former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung on June 24.
The footage showed several armed men riding motorcycles along a highway while a police officer appeared to wave at them as they passed. The scene sparked concerns online, with many viewers speculating that the men were bandits operating openly in the area.
Reacting to the video, the police said the interpretation was inaccurate and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information.
According to the statement, the armed men featured in the video are members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters who collaborate with security agencies in ongoing operations against banditry and other criminal activities in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
The police explained that the interaction captured in the video was a routine exchange between an officer and community security volunteers heading to an assigned operational area.
“The individuals in the video are not criminals. They are members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters partnering with the Police in ongoing operations to combat crime and protect their communities,” the statement read.
The Force warned that misrepresenting such interactions could endanger legitimate community security partners, mislead the public, and undermine ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.
The police further condemned the circulation of what it described as false security narratives, noting that misinformation can create unnecessary panic, erode public trust, and carry legal consequences.
Reassuring Nigerians, the Force emphasized that the men seen in the video are working alongside law enforcement agencies to enhance security and urged citizens to verify information before sharing it on social media.
“Please verify information before sharing. Misinformation has serious consequences,” the statement added.