The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) categorized the trending video of its operatives interacting with certain unknown gunmen as false and misleading, arguing that the gunmen are not bandits.
The NPF disclosed that the 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 is false and misleading.
According to the Police, the gunmen are not bandits, but duly recognized members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). The police explained that the gunmen are actively supporting security agencies in Musawa and Matazu LGAs of Katsina State.
The Police furthered that;
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.
Consequently, they condemned what they describe as a deliberate distortion of facts and circulation of misinformation. The Police stressed that this could cause public anxiety, undermine confidence in security institutions, and frustrate ongoing security operations.
The Police added that individuals or groups creating or disseminating false information capable of prejudicing security could be prosecuted.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have expressed dissatisfaction with the Police’s explanation. Many argued that the gunmen’s weapons were too sophisticated for Vigilantes or hunters.
