The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, over a viral video in which he allegedly called for the provision of
rifles to kill Christians in Enugu and Plateau states.
The suspect, reportedly a member of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), was apprehended and handed over to the police for investigation following the circulation of the video on social media.
The Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State, A.M. Bello, disclosed this during a press briefing in Gusau on Tuesday, stating that the command had commenced an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In the viral video, the suspect, dressed in the uniform of the JIBWIS Zamfara State Chapter, was allegedly heard chanting, “Give us rifles to go and kill infidels.”
He was also seen alongside pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicated that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026, while the suspect was reportedly heading to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque. He and others were said to have provided security during Friday prayers and preaching.
The police identified the schools associated with the incident as Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun, approximately 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.
The command said it had engaged the national and state leadership of JIBWIS following the emergence of the video.
According to the police, the organisation distanced itself from the suspect’s alleged actions and the contents of the video before apprehending him and handing him over to the authorities.
Maradun, a native of Maradun Local Government Area, was born on September 15, 2004. He reportedly attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in the area.
The police further disclosed that he joined JIBWIS in 2025 and recently gained admission to study Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.
Bello said a comprehensive investigation was ongoing and that the suspect would be charged before a competent court upon its conclusion.
He explained that the proposed charges could include incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation under Sections 77, 78 and 380(b) of the Penal Code Law applicable in Zamfara State, subject to the evidence gathered and the applicable law.
The police commissioner condemned acts capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening the safety of communities or undermining peaceful coexistence.
He reassured residents that the command remained committed to protecting citizens of all religious affiliations without discrimination.
“The Zamfara State Police Command remains resolute in its duty to uphold the law, protect lives and property, defend the rights of all citizens without discrimination, and work with relevant stakeholders to sustain peace and security throughout Zamfara State,” Bello said.
The commissioner urged religious leaders, parents, guardians, school authorities and community stakeholders to promote tolerance, mutual respect and responsible conduct, particularly among young people.
He also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid circulating unverified information and refrain from actions capable of escalating religious tensions or disrupting public order.