The Nigeria Police Force has denied allegations that one of its helicopters was used to supply food items to bandits in Kogi State, describing the claims as false, misleading, and aimed at discrediting its operations.
A statement on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Muyiwa Adejobi, clarified that the helicopter captured in a viral video was deployed for a legitimate security operation conducted on Saturday, 10 May 2025, in the Obajana axis of the state.
According to the statement, the operation involved joint efforts by police personnel, local vigilantes, and hunters in an ongoing campaign against banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in the region.
Adejobi said, ‘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’.
He explained that the helicopter was used to provide aerial support and surveillance for the ground troops engaged in the operation, and not for any illicit delivery.
‘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’, Adejobi said.
The Force urged the public to disregard what it called ‘unfounded and mischievous claims’, warning that such misinformation undermines the sacrifices of security personnel risking their lives to protect citizens.
‘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 statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the police assured Nigerians of continued collaboration with relevant stakeholders to enhance national security.
