Rufai Sparks Debate With Explosive Reaction To Police Statement On Suspected Bandits

Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has questioned the Nigeria Police Force’s explanation regarding a viral video showing police officers interacting with a large group of armed men believed by many social media users to be bandits.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The controversy erupted after footage circulated online on Wednesday showing police officers waving at dozens of armed individuals riding motorcycles.

In response to public concerns, the Nigeria Police Force issued a statement clarifying that the men seen in the video were not bandits but members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) assisting security operations in Katsina State.

The statement, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Edem Iniedu, explained that the individuals were registered hunters collaborating with security agencies in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas as part of efforts to combat criminal activities and improve public safety.

According to the police, the video merely captured a routine interaction between officers and local security volunteers who were heading to an operational area in support of ongoing security missions.

However, speaking during Arise Television’s Morning Show, Rufai Oseni expressed doubts about the official explanation and argued that Nigerians deserved greater transparency regarding the incident.

He questioned the nature of the interaction shown in the footage, particularly the apparent cordial exchange between police officers and the armed men.

“Do they think Nigerians are daft or that we do not have brains?” Rufai asked.

The broadcaster noted that he found it unusual for police officers to be seen waving at armed vigilantes riding motorcycles, especially given the level of weaponry visible in the video.

“I do not know when it became standard practice for police officers to salute or wave at vigilante groups carrying sophisticated weapons. The optics of that interaction naturally raise questions,” he said.

Rufai further argued that public skepticism toward official explanations is often fuelled by broader concerns about governance and accountability.

According to him, many of the challenges facing the country today stem from systemic failures and the actions of the political class, which have contributed to declining public trust in institutions.

The video has continued to generate widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians calling for further clarification from security authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the encounter.