The police have arrested a 22-year-old man, Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, over a viral video allegedly showing him calling for weapons to kill Christians.
The footage, which sparked outrage on social media, reportedly shows Maradun wearing the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), alongside pupils from two Islamic schools in Zamfara State.
According to the police, the suspect was allegedly heard chanting for rifles to attack Christians, with reports linking the threats to Enugu and Jos, Plateau State.
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday during a briefing in Gusau, saying investigations had begun to establish the circumstances surrounding the video and identify others involved.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended by JIBWIS officials before being handed over to the police for investigation.
Preliminary findings indicate that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, while Maradun and others were reportedly on their way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque in Maradun Local Government Area.
The group was said to have been involved in providing security during Friday prayers and preaching.
Police identified the two schools whose pupils were reportedly seen in the footage as Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun.
Following the video’s emergence, the police said they deployed intelligence resources and contacted JIBWIS leaders at the national and state levels.
The organisation reportedly distanced itself from the alleged conduct, while its officials handed the suspect over to the authorities.
The police said the investigation would determine the appropriate legal action, with possible charges relating to incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation under Zamfara State’s applicable laws.
Maradun reportedly joined JIBWIS in 2025 and recently secured admission to study Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara. He is also said to have attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School in Maradun.
The police condemned conduct capable of promoting religious hatred or threatening public safety, insisting that residents would be protected regardless of their religious beliefs.
The command urged religious leaders, parents, school authorities and community stakeholders to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
It also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of heightening religious tension as investigations continue.
The arrest followed calls for security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for the video.
