A prominent northern Islamic cleric, Sheikh Murtala Bello Asada Sokoto, has criticised the Nigeria Police Force over its denial of a viral video showing armed men riding motorcycles in Katsina State, questioning attempts to portray the individuals as anything other than terrorists.

The cleric’s reaction follows a statement by the police dismissing widespread claims that a uniformed officer was seen saluting armed bandits in the footage. According to the police, the individuals captured in the video were not terrorists but local vigilantes.

However, Sheikh Asada rejected the explanation, sharing another video in response and accusing the police of undermining public trust through what he described as a misleading narrative.

Speaking in Hausa in remarks monitored by SaharaReporters, the cleric said that while the police have made efforts to combat insecurity, their recent stance was contributing to growing suspicion and mistrust among Nigerians.

He argued that attempts to reclassify armed bandits as non-terrorists raise serious concerns about the message being conveyed to the public.

“These groups of armed bandits were returning from a peace meeting. If the attempt is to say that they are not terrorists, what message is being passed to the public?” Asada queried.

“Honestly, despite the goodwill and confidence we have in the Nigeria Police Force for their efforts, they are the ones creating doubt and mistrust between themselves and Nigerians.

“By God, I felt ashamed when I saw a statement attributed to them regarding a circulating video in which they claimed that the men in the footage were not bandits, even though the video clearly showed armed men returning from a peace meeting.

“Did they even listen to the audio in the video? Are vigilantes now being given such heavy weapons? Do they realise how much that statement is damaging their credibility in the eyes of Nigerians?

“May Allah bring an end to this calamity for us. Amen.”