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 weapons to attack Christians in Enugu and Plateau states.
The arrest followed public outrage over the footage, which circulated on social media and showed a young man wearing the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) leading other youths in chants calling for violence against Christians.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmad M. Bello, announced the arrest during a press briefing in Gusau on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, saying investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the recording and identify everyone involved.
According to the police, the suspect was apprehended by JIBWIS leaders in Zamfara State and handed over to the police for investigation after the video attracted widespread attention.
The footage allegedly contains chants demanding rifles to kill Christians. The police said the suspect was seen alongside pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.
Preliminary police findings indicated that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, while the suspect was reportedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque. He and others were said to have been involved in providing security during Friday prayers and preaching.
The police identified the schools linked to the footage as Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun Local Government Area, about 120 kilometres from Gusau.
Bello said the command deployed intelligence resources to identify those involved and contacted JIBWIS leaders at both national and state levels after the video emerged.
The police commissioner said the organisation had distanced itself from the suspect’s alleged conduct and the statements contained in the recording.
JIBWIS National Chairman, Abdullahi Bala-Lau, also condemned the alleged incitement and called on the police, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable.
Bala-Lau said calls for violence were contrary to the organisation’s teachings and objectives. He added that wearing the organisation’s First Aid Group uniform or appearing alongside its members did not automatically mean that an individual was authorised to speak on its behalf.
The JIBWIS leader also expressed concern that the video could damage the organisation’s reputation and worsen religious tensions in the country.
The police identified the suspect as a native of Maradun Local Government Area who was born on September 15, 2004. According to the command, he joined JIBWIS in 2025 and recently gained admission to study Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.
Bello said investigations were continuing and that the suspect would be charged before a competent court after the process was concluded. The proposed charges include alleged 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 applicable law.
The police urged religious leaders, parents, guardians, school authorities and community stakeholders to promote tolerance and mutual respect, particularly among young people.
The command also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid circulating unverified information and refrain from actions that could heighten religious tensions.
