This was revealed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, on June 24, 2026.
According to the police, the armed individuals captured in the video are not bandits but recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters working alongside security agencies in the fight against crime in parts of Katsina State.
The Force explained that the individuals are actively supporting security operations in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas and were engaged in a legitimate assignment when the video was recorded.
“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 statement said.
The Police condemned what it described as a deliberate attempt to distort facts through the spread of misinformation, warning that such actions could create unnecessary fear among citizens, erode public trust in security institutions, and hinder ongoing security efforts.
The Force urged members of the public to ignore the claims linked to the video and rely solely on information released through official police channels and other authorised government platforms.
“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,” the statement added.
The Police further cautioned individuals and groups involved in creating, publishing, or sharing false information capable of threatening public peace and security to desist, noting that offenders could face legal consequences.
“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.”
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Force said it would continue to collaborate with legitimate community-based security groups and other stakeholders to protect lives, secure communities, and tackle crime across the country.
“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.”