The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a youth over a viral video allegedly showing him chanting a song calling for the killing of Christians.
The suspect, identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, was reportedly apprehended by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) in Zamfara State before being handed over to the police for investigation.
According to Channels Television, the video shows the suspect wearing a JIBWIS uniform alongside pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.
The police said the video allegedly contains the words, “give us rifles to go and kill Christians”.
Briefing journalists in Gusau on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Bello, said the command deployed its intelligence resources to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the recording.
Police Trace Video to October 23
Preliminary findings indicate that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026, while the suspect was reportedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque.
The suspect and others were said to have provided security during Friday prayers and preaching.
The two schools identified in connection with the video are Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun Local Government Area, about 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.
The police said they engaged JIBWIS leaders at the national and state levels after the video emerged. The organisation reportedly distanced itself from the suspect’s alleged conduct and the recording.
According to the command, preliminary information shows that the suspect was born on September 15, 2004. 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 for a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.
Suspect May Face Criminal Charges
Bello said investigations were ongoing and that the suspect would be charged before a competent court once the investigation was concluded.
The commissioner said the proposed charges could relate to 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.
He condemned actions capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening community safety or undermining peaceful coexistence.
Bello also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and safeguarding the constitutional rights of all citizens, including freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
Police Urge Residents to Remain Calm
The commissioner urged religious leaders, parents, guardians, school authorities and community stakeholders to promote tolerance, mutual respect and responsible behaviour, particularly among young people.
He appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from actions that could heighten religious tensions or disrupt public order.
The police reiterated their commitment to enforcing the law, protecting citizens without discrimination and working with relevant stakeholders to maintain peace and security across Zamfara State.
