Nigerian Police Clarify Viral Video of Armed Vigilantes

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) issued a statement on Wednesday, dismissing claims that a viral video from Katsina State shows police officers interacting with armed bandits. The police clarified that the individuals in the footage are members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters who voluntarily support ongoing security operations in the Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas.

The police described the claims as entirely false and malicious, intended to mislead the public and cause anxiety. They emphasized that the video captures routine interactions between police officers and security volunteers designed to enhance public safety.

The NPF condemned the deliberate distortion of facts and warned that individuals or groups spreading false information could face legal action. The police reaffirmed their commitment to working with legitimate community-based security groups to combat crime across Nigeria.