The Police have dismissed report circulating on social media that a police officer was seen interacting with armed bandits in a viral video recorded in Katsina State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Okokon Iniedu, said the individuals featured in the video are recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters, supporting security operations in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas, Katsina State.

According to the police, the footage captured a routine interaction between a police officer and the security volunteers, as they moved to a designated operational area to support efforts aimed at combating crime and enhancing public safety.

The Force described the narrative attached to the video as false, malicious and intended to mislead the public.

The Police condemned the deliberate distortion of facts and the spread of misinformation, capable of creating public anxiety, undermining confidence in security institutions and disrupting ongoing security operations.

The Police urged members of the public to disregard the claims and rely only on information released through official channels of the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised government sources.

The Force also warned individuals and groups involved in creating, publishing or disseminating false information, capable of threatening public peace and security to desist, noting that legal action may be taken against offenders.

The Police reaffirmed their commitment to working with legitimate community-based security stakeholders and other partners to protect lives, secure communities and combat crime across the country.