The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, over a viral social media video allegedly containing calls for violence against Christians, as authorities launch an investigation into the incident and warn against actions capable of escalating religious tensions.
The Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State, A.M. Bello, disclosed the arrest during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Gusau on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
According to the police, the video shows the suspect wearing a uniform associated with Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Zamfara State chapter, alongside pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area.
The footage allegedly contains a chant calling for rifles to be provided to attack Christians. The recording has raised concerns about the potential consequences of inflammatory religious rhetoric and the risk of threats against communities based on their faith.
Police said preliminary findings indicated that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, while the suspect was reportedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque in Maradun. He and other individuals were said to have been involved in providing security during Friday prayers and preaching.
The two schools identified by the police in connection with the footage are Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun Local Government Area, approximately 120 kilometres from Gusau.
Following the video’s circulation on social media, the police said they deployed intelligence resources to identify the individuals involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the recording.
The command also engaged the leadership of JIBWIS at the national and state levels. According to the police, the organisation distanced itself from the alleged conduct and the content of the video, while its leadership apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the police for investigation.
The police identified Gandi as a native of Maradun Local Government Area. Preliminary information released by the command indicated that he attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in Maradun. He reportedly joined JIBWIS in 2025 and recently gained admission to study Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.
The Commissioner of Police condemned conduct capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening public safety or undermining peaceful coexistence. He stressed that the command would not tolerate actions that threaten the lives and security of residents, regardless of their religious affiliations.
The police said the suspect is being investigated over alleged offences including incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation. The command indicated that he would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction after the investigation is concluded, subject to the evidence gathered and applicable law.
The allegations have not been determined by a court, and the suspect remains entitled to the presumption of innocence under the law.
The incident has also renewed attention to the responsibility of religious organisations, educational institutions, parents and community leaders to discourage inflammatory messages and promote tolerance among young people.
The police urged religious leaders, school authorities, parents and guardians to encourage mutual respect and responsible conduct, warning that statements advocating violence against people because of their religious beliefs could threaten public order and peaceful relations between communities.
The command reassured Christians, Muslims and residents of other religious affiliations that it remained committed to protecting lives and property and enforcing the law without discrimination.
It also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from actions that could heighten religious tensions while the investigation continues.
The police said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the video and determine the appropriate legal steps. Further details are expected as the process progresses.
