Veritas News – 26th June 2026 | By Adedayo Pelumi/Veritas News Head.
A viral video above showing police officers hailing a group of heavily armed men as they passed through a checkpoint in Kastina State has triggered heated debate online, with many social media users questioning the identity of the armed men and the nature of their weapons.
The footage, which surfaced on X, Facebook, and WhatsApp on Wednesday, shows several men dressed in casual attire, carrying what appear to be assault rifles, moving in a convoy while police personnel at the checkpoint exchange greetings and allow them passage. The chants and mass movement in the video drew comparisons to footage of bandit attacks circulating online, fueling speculation among viewers.
The Kastina State Police Command responded on Thursday, debunking claims that the men in the video were bandits. In a statement, the Command said the individuals were members of a registered vigilante group deployed on “strategic operations against banditry and kidnapping” within the state.
According to the police, the vigilantes were on official assignment and operating with the knowledge and coordination of security agencies. The Command urged the public to disregard what it described as “misleading narratives” and assured residents that all armed groups engaged in security duties are duly registered and monitored.
“The Kastina State Police Command wishes to clarify that the armed men seen in the viral video are registered vigilante operatives working alongside security agencies to tackle criminal elements terrorizing communities,” the statement read.
Despite the police explanation, the video continued to trend on social media on Thursday, with many users expressing doubt. Critics cited the men’s appearance, the type of assault rifles on display, and the manner of movement as being similar to patterns seen in attacks by criminal gangs.
Some commenters questioned whether local vigilante groups should carry such weapons and operate in large convoys, arguing that it blurs the line between state-sanctioned security and non-state actors. Others called for greater transparency from authorities on how vigilante groups are vetted, trained, and equipped.
“People are nervous because these are the same visuals we see when communities are attacked. If they are truly vigilantes, let the government show us their registration and rules of engagement,” one user wrote.
Vigilante groups have played a growing role in supporting security agencies across Nigeria’s North-Central region, where banditry and kidnapping have displaced communities and strained police resources. In Kastina and neighboring states, government-backed vigilantes often assist with intelligence gathering, local patrols, and community defense.
However, experts and civil society groups have repeatedly warned that poorly regulated vigilante operations can escalate violence, lead to human rights abuses, and create confusion for civilians who cannot distinguish between criminals and state-aligned actors.
Security analyst Dr. Suleiman Abdullahi noted that while community-based security is necessary, “clarity, oversight, and accountability are non-negotiable. When armed men move through checkpoints without clear identification, it undermines public trust, even if their mission is legitimate.”
The controversy highlights the delicate balance between fighting insecurity and maintaining public confidence. For many residents of Kastina, years of attacks have made them wary of any large, armed group, regardless of affiliation.
The Police Command has reiterated its commitment to professionalism and urged citizens to report suspicious activities through official channels rather than rely on unverified videos. It also promised to continue joint operations with registered vigilantes to secure flashpoints across the state.
As the video continues to circulate, the incident serves as a reminder that in the fight against banditry, perception matters as much as operations. Clear communication, visible identification for all security actors, and community engagement may be the difference between cooperation and suspicion.
Veritas News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the Nasarawa State Police Command releases further details on the operation.
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