- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Police Force has denied claims of using its operational helicopter in supplying food items for bandits as captured in a now viral video on social media.
Netizens had in reaction to the video showing police helicopter landing in the midst of armed men in a forest in Kogi state, claimed that the aircraft was used in supplying food items for the suspected bandits.
As against the claims, the Force in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, held that the armed men are members of the joint forces including hunters and local vigilante group at Obajana area of Kogi State.
Adejobi claimed that the video captured a legitimate security operation which was carried out on Saturday 10th of May 2025.
He explained that the police helicopter, as seen in the video, was deployed as part of the mission to provide aerial support and surveillance to ground forces involved in the tactical operation to combat banditry and kidnapping within the region.
The Force urged members of the public to disregard the claims surrounding the video.
It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians with continued collaboration with relevant stakeholders to enhance public safety and national security.
The statement read in part; “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a video currently circulating online, depicting a police helicopter landing and taking off in an area with armed individuals.
“Contrary to the misleading and false narrative suggesting that the aircraft was used to deliver food items to bandits, the Force categorically states that the video captures a legitimate security operation.
“The operation in question was carried out on Saturday, 10th May, 2025, by joint security forces including local vigilante groups, and hunters at the Obajana axis of Kogi State.
“The operation was part of sustained efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality within the region.
“The police helicopter was deployed as part of the mission to provide aerial support and surveillance to ground forces involved in the tactical operation.
“The Force hereby urges members of the public to disregard the unfounded and mischievous claims surrounding the viral video. Citizens are encouraged to rely solely on official police communication channels for accurate and verified information regarding security activities.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians and will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to enhance public safety and national security.”