The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, over a viral video in which he was allegedly heard calling for AK-47 rifles to kill Christians in Enugu and Plateau states.
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The suspect, who police said is a member of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), was apprehended and handed over to the police for investigation after the video circulated widely on social media.
The Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State, A.M. Bello, disclosed the development during a press briefing in Gusau on Tuesday, saying the command had commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the video and determine whether any criminal offences had been committed.
In the viral footage, the suspect, dressed in what was identified as the uniform of JIBWIS, Zamfara State Chapter, was allegedly heard chanting, “Give us rifles to go and kill infidels.”
He was seen in the company of pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to the police, preliminary findings indicated that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026, while the suspect was reportedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque, where he and others allegedly provided security during Friday prayers and preaching.
The police identified the two schools connected to the incident as Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun, about 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.
The command said it contacted the national and state leadership of JIBWIS following the emergence of the video.
According to the police, the organisation disassociated itself from the suspect’s alleged conduct and the contents of the video before apprehending him and handing him over to the authorities for investigation.
The suspect, a native of Maradun Local Government Area, was born on September 15, 2004.
Police said he attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in Maradun.
He reportedly joined JIBWIS in 2025 and recently secured admission to study Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.
Commissioner Bello said the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation and would charge the suspect before a competent court upon its conclusion if the evidence established offences against him.
According to the commissioner, possible charges arising from the investigation 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 the applicable law.
The police condemned statements and conduct capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening communities or undermining peaceful coexistence.
Bello also assured residents that the command would continue to protect people 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,” the commissioner said.
He urged religious leaders, parents, guardians, school authorities and community stakeholders to promote tolerance, mutual respect and responsible conduct, particularly among young people.
The police commissioner also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid circulating unverified information and refrain from conduct capable of escalating religious tensions or disturbing public order.
The investigation follows widespread concern generated by the viral video, particularly over the alleged reference to Christians in Enugu and Jos.
Although the police have taken the suspect into custody and identified possible offences under investigation, no court has determined the allegations against him. He is therefore presumed innocent unless and until found guilty by a competent court.
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