The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a young man over a viral video allegedly showing him chanting a song calling for the killing of Christians.
The video reportedly features the suspect wearing the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Zamfara State Chapter, alongside pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, was reportedly apprehended by JIBWIS before being handed over to the police for investigation.
Speaking to journalists in Gusau on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Bello, said the command remained committed to protecting all residents, irrespective of their religious affiliations.
According to the police, the video allegedly contains the words, “give us rifles to go and kill Christians.” The command said it deployed intelligence resources to identify those involved and determine the circumstances surrounding the recording.
Preliminary findings suggest that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026, while the suspect was reportedly travelling to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque. He and others were said to have provided security during Friday prayers and preaching.
The two schools linked to the video are Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun Local Government Area, approximately 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.
The police said they contacted JIBWIS leaders at both national and state levels after the video emerged. The organisation reportedly distanced itself from the suspect’s alleged actions and the recording.
According to the command, preliminary information indicates that the suspect was born on September 15, 2004. He attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in Maradun.
The police said he joined JIBWIS in 2025 and had recently gained admission to study for a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.
Bello said investigations were ongoing and that the suspect would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction once the process was completed.
He said the proposed charges would concern 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 relevant law.
The commissioner condemned actions capable of fuelling religious hatred, threatening community safety or undermining peaceful coexistence. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and upholding citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed rights, including freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
He urged religious leaders, parents, guardians, school authorities and community stakeholders to encourage tolerance, mutual respect and responsible conduct, particularly among young people.
Bello also called on the public to remain calm, avoid circulating unverified information and refrain from actions that could escalate religious tensions or disrupt public order.
The command reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law, protecting all citizens’ rights without discrimination and working with relevant stakeholders to maintain peace and security across Zamfara State.