The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a young man seen in a viral video wearing the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah, JIBWIS, and allegedly chanting incitement to kill Christians in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Zamfara State Command, CP A.M Bello, disclosed this on Tuesday, 27th October 2026, during a press briefing at the Command headquarters in Gusau, while addressing the video which has triggered outrage and tension on social media.
According to the police, the video which has been circulating since the weekend shows the suspect in JIBWIS uniform, in the company of pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun, allegedly chanting a song containing the words, “give us rifles to go and kill Christians.”
CP Bello said upon the emergence of the video, the Command immediately deployed its intelligence assets to identify the individuals involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the recording.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the video was recorded on Friday, 23rd October 2026, while the suspect was reportedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque in Maradun, where he and others were said to have provided security during Friday prayers and preaching.
The police identified the two schools seen in connection with the video as Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun Local Government Area, about 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.
As part of its immediate response, the Command said it engaged the leadership of JIBWIS at both national and state levels. The organization disassociated itself from the suspect’s conduct and the content of the video.
The suspect was subsequently apprehended by the JIBWIS leadership and handed over to the Zamfara State Police Command for investigation and prosecution.
He has been identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, a Nigerian citizen and native of Maradun LGA, born on 15 September 2004. According to the police, he attended Mualledi Model Primary School, Maradun, and Government Day Secondary School, Maradun. He reportedly joined JIBWIS in 2025 and recently secured admission to study Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.
CP Bello said the Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
“Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect will be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction for alleged offences relating to incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation as provided under Sections 77, 78 and 380B of the Penal Code Law applicable in Zamfara State,” the Commissioner stated.
The police boss strongly condemned any conduct capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening the safety of any community, or undermining peaceful coexistence in the state.
He reassured citizens of all religious affiliations that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting every individual and safeguarding the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
“The Zamfara State Police Command wishes to reassure citizens of all religious affiliations that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting every individual,” CP Bello said, urging the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of escalating religious tension.
He also called on religious leaders, parents, guardians, school authorities and community stakeholders to promote tolerance, mutual respect and responsible conduct, particularly among young people.
