...insists individuals featured in video are not bandits but recognized vigilantes, hunters
By Ola Kay
The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has categorically disclaimed what it described as false and misleading narrative accompanying a viral video circulating on social media, which alleged that a uniformed police officer was seen interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Aniete Okokon Edem stated in reaction that, “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 police said trending video captured a routine interaction between a police officer and the security volunteers as they proceeded to a designated operational area in support of efforts to combat criminality and enhance public safety, adding that any claim suggesting can be regarded as “entirely false, malicious, and intended to mislead the public.”
The NPF went further to condemn the incident to mitigate public outcry.
“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.”
It therefore called on the public 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.
It also handed down warning to the perpetrators of the viral video, saying “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.
The NPF used the occasion to restate its commitment 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.
About The Author
