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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed claims that a viral video from Katsina state showed a police officer interacting with armed bandits.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the police said the narrative accompanying the video was false and misleading.

The force said the individuals featured in the footage are recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters working with security agencies in Katsina.

According to the police, the volunteers are supporting ongoing security operations in Musawa and Matazu LGAs of the state.

The force said the video captured a routine interaction between a police officer and the security volunteers as they moved to a designated operational area.

Part of the statement read: “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 police condemned what it described as the deliberate distortion of facts and the circulation of misinformation.

The force said such actions are capable of causing public anxiety, undermining confidence in security institutions and frustrating ongoing security operations.

The police urged members of the public to disregard claims attached to the video and advised citizens to rely on information released through official police channels and other authorised government sources.

The police warned individuals and groups involved in creating or disseminating false information to desist, adding that legal action could be taken against those found to be spreading misinformation capable of threatening public peace and security.

The police also reaffirmed its commitment to working with legitimate community-based security groups and other stakeholders in combating 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,” the statement added.

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The Ondo State Police Command in the early hours of Tuesday arrested six suspected cultists during an operation carried out by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SACS).

The suspects were identified as Damilare Kayode, 30; Adejoro Godwin, 30; Adedapo Ogunro, 36; Chisom Okechukwu, 21; Ademulegun Imisi, 26; and Odugunle Bukola, 21.

While confirming the arrest, the police public relations officer in the state, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended in Akungba and Iwaro-Akoko in the Akoko South West Local Council Area of the state.

According to Jimoh, the operation was carried out following intel received by the command over the activities of the suspected cultists in the axis.

The police spokesperson stated that the suspects were allegedly involved in activities linked to unlawful confraternities operating within the Akoko axis, an area that has been faced with security challenges.

He said, “The operation, which was conducted in the early hours of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, followed credible intelligence indicating the activities of suspected cult members within the affected areas.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in activities linked to unlawful confraternities operating within the Akoko axis, a development that has continued to pose security concerns in some communities.

“A thorough search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of several exhibits believed to be connected with cult-related activities.

“These include five battle axes, one jackknife, various criminal charms, as well as confraternity paraphernalia such as boots, yellow singlets, and face caps. The recovered items have been taken into police custody as exhibits and will form part of the ongoing investigation.

“Investigation into the matter is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

“The Command views the recovery of these items as a major operational success and a clear indication of its determination to proactively dismantle criminal networks before they can carry out acts capable of threatening public peace and safety.

“Intelligence gathered from the operation is currently being analyzed to identify other members of the group and uncover the full extent of their activities within and beyond the affected communities.”

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commenced the trial of billionaire businessman, Chief Ukatu Afamefuna Mallinson, alongside two associates, Pius Enidom and Sunday Ifeanyi Ibekwute, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of conspiracy, unlawful possession, and trafficking of 322 kilograms of Tramadol.

The trial began before Justice Yellim Bogoro, who took over the matter following the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, to the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.

The three defendants are being prosecuted by the NDLEA in charge number FHC/L/159C/2021. They were initially arraigned in 2022 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the charge, the NDLEA alleged that the defendants conspired on or about May 4, 2021, at Ikeja, Lagos, to possess 322 kilograms of Tramadol, a narcotic drug, without lawful authority.

In one of the counts, the agency alleged that Pius Enidom, Sunday Ifeanyi Ibekwute, and Chief Ukatu Afamefuna Mallinson conspired to possess the prohibited substance, an offence said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The prosecution further alleged that the defendants knowingly possessed the 322 kilograms of Tramadol without lawful authority, contrary to and punishable under Section 11 of the same Act.

The NDLEA maintained that the offences were committed within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
During the proceedings, the prosecution team, led by Adekunle Adebajo, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the commencement of trial and subsequently called its first witness to testify.

The witness, Dogo Hyelda Moses, an NDLEA operative, testified on the role he played after the defendants were arrested and brought before him alongside exhibits allegedly recovered during the operation.

Giving evidence before the court, Moses narrated how the suspects and the exhibits were handed over to him as part of the agency’s investigative process. He also explained the steps he took in handling the defendants and the recovered items.

The witness was subsequently cross-examined by defence counsel, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) B.C. Igwilo, as well as Omon Omofoma and Ayowande Olatunji, who appeared for the defendants.

The commencement of evidence marks a significant development in the criminal proceedings, which have been pending since the defendants were first arraigned several years ago.

The case was initially being heard by Justice Peter Lifu before his transfer from the Lagos Division led to its reassignment to Justice Bogoro.

Following the day’s proceedings, Justice Bogoro adjourned the matter until November 5 for continuation of trial.
The prosecution is expected to call additional witnesses as it seeks to establish the allegations that the defendants conspired to possess and unlawfully possessed 322 kilograms of Tramadol.

The defendants, however, maintain their innocence and continue to enjoy the constitutional presumption of innocence pending the determination of the charges.