Zamfara Police Arrest Youth Over Video Threat

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.

According to the police, JIBWIS first apprehended the suspect before handing him over for investigation. Briefing journalists in Gusau on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Bello, said the command would protect all residents regardless of their religious beliefs.

The video reportedly shows the suspect, identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, 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 police said the video allegedly contains the words, “give us rifles to go and kill Christians.” The command added that it deployed its intelligence resources to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the recording.

Preliminary findings indicate that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026. The suspect was reportedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque at the time. The police said he and others 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 are located in Maradun Local Government Area, about 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.

After the video emerged, the police said they engaged JIBWIS leaders at the national and state levels. The organisation reportedly disassociated itself from the suspect’s alleged conduct and the recording.

According to the command, the suspect was born on September 15, 2004. He attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in Maradun.

The police added that he joined JIBWIS in 2025 and 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 complete.

He said the proposed charges would 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. He added that the charges would depend on the evidence gathered and the applicable law.

The commissioner condemned conduct that could promote religious hatred, threaten community safety or weaken peaceful coexistence. He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, as well as citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed rights, including freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

Bello urged religious leaders, parents, guardians, school authorities and community stakeholders to promote tolerance, mutual respect and responsible behaviour, especially among young people. He also appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from actions that could heighten religious tensions or disrupt public order.

The command reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law, protecting all citizens without discrimination and working with relevant stakeholders to maintain peace and security across Zamfara State.