The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has refuted claims that a helicopter seen landing in a bush in a viral video was delivering food or weapons to bandits.
Recently, a video wherein a white helicopter landed in a bush surrounded by some group of men, appeared on social media.
The video was accompanied by a narrative that the helicopter landed in the bush to “supply weapons to bandits” in the northern part of Nigeria.
A statement on Tuesday by Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, said the helicopter was part of a “legitimate operation” by joint security forces in Kogi state.
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“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,” Adejobi said.
“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 said the exercise took place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, and involved local vigilantes and hunters working alongside security personnel in the Obajana area of Kogi state.
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Adejobi said the helicopter offered aerial surveillance and support to the ground team during the operation, which targeted banditry, abduction, and other crimes.
The force spokesperson asked the public to disregard the “unfounded and mischievous claims” being spread online.
He added that the police will continue working with other stakeholders to protect lives and property across the country.
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