There was outrage on Wednesday after a viral video showed armed men moving freely through a police checkpoint in Nigeria’s North-West, with officers allegedly seen waving and directing the convoy as it passed.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the incident was initially believed to have occurred along a route between Zamfara State and Sokoto State—two regions severely affected by years of banditry—raising fresh concerns over possible collusion within security ranks.
In the footage, a large convoy of gunmen riding motorcycles and carrying rifles was seen approaching and passing through the checkpoint without resistance. Some uniformed officers appeared to gesture at the riders, seemingly allowing them unhindered passage.
A voice, believed to be that of the person filming, was heard speaking in Hausa, lamenting the situation.
“Bandits with their weapons are moving freely,” the narrator said before another occupant cautioned him to remain silent, saying, “Please keep quiet, why are you talking?”
Security sources confirmed that the video was recorded recently, although its exact date could not be independently verified as of press time. Initial attempts to get official reactions from police authorities were unsuccessful, further fuelling public anger and speculation.
However, the Nigeria Police Force later dismissed the claims, describing the narrative attached to the video as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, the police said the armed men seen in the footage were not bandits but members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and registered hunters working with security agencies.
According to the statement, the individuals were part of ongoing security operations in Katsina State, particularly in Musawa Local Government Area and Matazu Local Government Area.
“The video captured a routine interaction between a police officer and these security volunteers as they proceeded to a designated operational area,” the statement read, adding that any suggestion of collaboration with bandits was “unfounded, malicious and intended to mislead the public.”
The Force warned that the spread of misinformation could incite panic, erode public trust, and undermine ongoing security operations, urging Nigerians to rely only on verified official sources.
Despite the clarification, the development has intensified scrutiny of security agencies across the North-West, where communities have long complained about persistent attacks and alleged lapses in response.
States including Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and parts of Niger have continued to witness killings, abductions and cattle rustling despite sustained military operations.
Residents in affected communities have repeatedly accused security operatives of delayed responses or failure to decisively confront attackers.
The latest video is expected to heighten calls for accountability and a thorough investigation into the conduct of security personnel deployed to volatile areas.
Security analysts say incidents like this—whether accurately interpreted or not—underscore the fragile trust between citizens and security institutions, stressing the need for transparency and improved intelligence coordination.
The police, however, reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with credible community-based security groups to combat crime and safeguard lives across the country, while warning that those spreading false information could face legal consequences.
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