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When were they allowed to carry machine guns?’: Nigerians tackle police after calling armed men in viral video vigilantes
The controversy erupted on Wednesday after a video surfaced online showing a long convoy of motorcycle riders moving past stationary vehicles while a police officer appeared to acknowledge them as they passed.
Voices heard in the background of the footage described the riders as “barayin daji” – a Hausa term commonly used to refer to armed bandits – prompting widespread speculation that the convoy consisted of criminals operating openly in the presence of security personnel.
A review of the video shows dozens of motorcycles travelling in formation along a rural road. Some of the riders appeared to be carrying long objects believed to be firearms, while a police officer and another security operative stood by the roadside as the convoy moved through the area.
The footage, however, does not conclusively establish the identity of the riders. While some social media users alleged that the men were armed with AK-47 rifles and machine guns, the video itself does not clearly verify the exact type of weapons being carried.
Notably, there was no confrontation between the convoy and security personnel. The riders passed the officers without any exchange of gunfire or attempt to evade them. Vehicles parked along the road were also left undisturbed.
In response to the growing controversy, police spokesperson Anietie Iniedu dismissed claims that the video showed officers fraternising with bandits.
According to him, the individuals captured in the footage were recognised members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and registered hunters participating in security operations in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
“The footage 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,” Iniedu said.He described suggestions that the men were bandits as false and misleading, warning against the spread of misinformation capable of undermining public confidence in security institutions.
Despite the clarification, many Nigerians remained unconvinced and took to social media to question the appearance, equipment and conduct of the armed men.
Social media commentator Daniel Regha questioned why individuals described as vigilantes were dressed in military-style uniforms and allegedly carrying sophisticated weapons.
“The Nigeria Police Force claims that the reported video was misleading. That the heavily armed men on bikes were members of a Vigilante Group and registered hunters.
“Please explain how a vigilante group is allowed to wear army uniforms and carry heavy machine guns,” he wrote on X.
Several other users echoed similar concerns.
On Facebook, Bin Abdallah wrote: “So vigilantes can now wear khaki and carry AK-47s and machine guns?”
Another user, Okekporo Ochuko, expressed disbelief that vigilantes would be conducting armed operations while police officers carried out routine duties elsewhere.
“Una just think say everyone na mumu for this country,” he wrote.
Muhammad Idris Muhammad also questioned the source of the weapons allegedly seen in the video, asking: “Who gave the vigilantes AK-47?”
However, not all reactions were critical of the police explanation.
Some users argued that local vigilantes and JTF operatives often work alongside conventional security agencies in the fight against banditry across parts of northern Nigeria.
A user identified as @Jamesbisodun noted that such groups are sometimes equipped for mobility and operations in difficult terrains.
“According to people from Katsina, these are basically civilian JTF, local vigilantes and hunters working with the Army, Police and DSS against bandits. They get issued gear and bikes for mobility. That explains the camouflage and guns,” he wrote.
Similarly, @GallantDaletian argued that bandits would not ordinarily pass armed security operatives without launching an attack.
“The individuals shown in the video are most likely vigilante and JTF operatives who work alongside formal security forces. Bandits do not spare security personnel during attacks,” he said.
Another Facebook user, Ogbuehi Amb Clinton Okoroafor, said the absence of hostility between the convoy and security officers suggested the men were unlikely to be bandits.
“When I saw the video, I knew there was no way those guys were bandits. Bandits cannot see a police officer with an AK rifle without opening fire,” he wrote.
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