The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed claims that a viral video circulating on social media shows a police officer interacting with armed bandits in Katsina State, insisting that the individuals seen in the footage are registered vigilantes and hunters supporting security operations.
The video sparked widespread debate online after it showed a large convoy of motorcycle riders moving past stationary vehicles while a police officer appeared to acknowledge them. Social media users questioned why the riders were allowed to pass unhindered, with some alleging they were armed bandits operating openly in the area.
The controversy intensified after voices heard in the recording described the riders as “barayin daji,” a Hausa expression commonly used to refer to bandits and armed criminal groups. Another person in the vehicle, however, was heard challenging the remark.
Responding to the allegations on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Anietie Iniedu, said the claims were false and misrepresented the events captured in the footage.
According to the police, the convoy consisted of recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters who were assisting security agencies in ongoing operations within Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
The police explained that the video captured a routine interaction between officers and community-based security volunteers as they moved towards a designated operational area.
“The individuals seen in the motorcycle convoy are duly recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters supporting ongoing security efforts,” the statement said.
A review of the footage shows dozens of motorcycles travelling along a rural road while a police officer in camouflage uniform and another security operative stand by the roadside as the convoy passes.
While some riders appeared to be carrying long objects believed to be firearms, the video does not clearly identify the weapons or establish the identity of those involved. Claims circulating online that the riders were carrying assault rifles could not be independently verified from the footage alone.
Observers also noted that there was no confrontation between the riders and security personnel, nor were the vehicles parked along the road disturbed. This has fuelled competing interpretations of the video among members of the public.
The police condemned what it described as deliberate attempts to distort facts and spread misinformation capable of causing public anxiety and undermining confidence in security institutions.
“The Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns the deliberate distortion of facts and the circulation of misinformation intended to mislead the public and frustrate ongoing security operations,” Iniedu stated.
The force warned that individuals responsible for creating or spreading false information that threatens public peace could face legal consequences.
Police authorities also reiterated their commitment to working with recognised community security groups, including registered vigilantes and hunters, as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity and protect communities across the country.
