The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed claims that a police officer seen in a viral video from Katsina State was interacting with bandits, describing the allegation as false and insisting the armed men in the footage are recognised community security volunteers assisting security agencies.

The clarification comes after a video circulated widely on social media, triggering speculation that security personnel were fraternising with criminal elements operating in parts of the North-West.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, said the narrative attached to the video was misleading and capable of causing unnecessary public anxiety.

According to the police, the individuals featured in the footage are members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters who are working alongside security agencies in ongoing operations across Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the individuals featured in the video are not bandits. They are duly recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria 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 statement said.

The Force explained that the video captured what it described as a routine interaction between a police officer and the volunteers as they travelled to a designated operational area.

Police authorities said the engagement formed part of broader collaborative efforts aimed at combating criminality, gathering intelligence and improving public safety in vulnerable communities.

“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 added.

The viral footage emerged against the backdrop of persistent security challenges in parts of Katsina State, where security agencies have increasingly relied on community-based groups, local hunters and vigilante organisations to complement conventional policing and military operations.

Such collaborations have become a prominent feature of security strategies in several northern states grappling with banditry, kidnapping and rural insecurity.

However, the use of armed civilian volunteers has also generated debate, particularly when images or videos circulating online are presented without context.

The Nigeria Police Force warned that the deliberate distortion of security-related information could undermine public confidence, fuel fear and potentially hinder ongoing operations.

Authorities urged Nigerians to verify information through official channels before sharing content that could inflame tensions or spread misinformation.

The Force also cautioned individuals and groups against creating or disseminating false narratives capable of disturbing public peace and security.

“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 statement said.

Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the police said they would continue working with legitimate community-based security stakeholders and other partners to combat crime, protect lives and strengthen security across the country.

The development highlights the growing challenge security agencies face in balancing public communication with the rapid spread of unverified content on social media, particularly on issues relating to national security.