The Bauchi State-owned Yankari Express Transport Corporation has dismissed a viral social media video alleging that one of its vehicles was used to transport bandits.

The General Manager of the corporation, Babaji Yunusa, addressed the issue during a press conference on Thursday, describing the claims as false, misleading and completely detached from the facts.

He said the trending video alleged that security operatives intercepted a Yankari Express vehicle in Kano State carrying a passenger dressed in charms and allegedly conveying arms for bandit activities.

According to him, the passenger in question was only suspected by fellow commuters, who alerted the police. The vehicle was then taken to a police station for checks.

“Somebody made a video of the vehicle and circulated it on social media, claiming it was used to convey bandits. This has unfortunately gone viral,” Yunusa said.

He explained that the bus shown in the clip was travelling from Sokoto to Kano and noted that passengers became suspicious of a man wearing clothing decorated with charms, prompting a report to the police.

He also clarified that Yankari Express operates two categories of vehicles — company-owned buses and leased buses — and the one shown in the video did not meet the corporation’s identification standards.

“The vehicle in the video may have our colours and name, but it had no plate number or the certified sticker we issued to all authorised fleet vehicles,” he stated.

Yunusa urged members of the public to disregard the video, assuring passengers that the corporation maintains strict standards for all vehicles operating under its franchise.

“It was a baseless accusation. The police are handling the matter appropriately. The man was only questioned because of the charms on his clothes, which he claimed were for protection,” he said.

He reiterated that the corporation is undergoing reforms to strengthen its operations and ensure that all vehicles in its fleet are fully certified and fit for service.