The Zamfara Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, over a viral video allegedly showing him calling for AK-47 rifles to kill Christians, as the command begins an investigation into the incident over concerns about possible incitement to religious violence.
The suspect was allegedly heard chanting, “Give us rifles to go and kill Christians,” while in the company of pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.
Zamfara Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Bello, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday while parading the suspect before journalists in Gusau, the state capital.
Bello said the command promptly deployed its intelligence resources after the video emerged to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to him, 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, where he and others were said to have provided security during Friday prayers and preaching.
The commissioner identified the schools whose pupils were reportedly seen in the video as Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun Local Government Area, approximately 120 kilometres from Gusau.
He said the suspect was dressed in the uniform of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) First Aid Group, Zamfara Chapter, when the incident occurred.
Bello said the police engaged the leadership of JIBWIS at the national and state levels as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the video.
According to him, the organisation disassociated itself from the suspect’s alleged conduct and the content of the video before apprehending him and handing him over to the police for investigation.
The commissioner identified the suspect as a Nigerian citizen and indigene of Maradun Local Government Area, born on September 15, 2004.
He said preliminary information showed that the suspect attended Mualledi Model Primary School, Maradun, and Government Day Secondary School, Maradun.
Bello added that the suspect reportedly joined JIBWIS in 2025 and had recently secured admission to study for a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.
The police commissioner said a comprehensive investigation had commenced and assured that the suspect would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction upon its conclusion.
He said the proposed charges would relate to alleged incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation.
According to him, the alleged offences are covered by Sections 77, 78 and 380(b) of the Penal Code Law applicable in Zamfara State, subject to the evidence established and applicable law.
Bello condemned any conduct capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening the safety of communities or undermining peaceful coexistence.
He assured residents of all religious affiliations that the police remained committed to protecting every individual and safeguarding the constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to practise and manifest one’s faith, subject to the Constitution and other applicable laws.
The commissioner urged religious leaders, parents, guardians, school authorities and community stakeholders to promote tolerance, mutual respect and responsible conduct, particularly among young people.
He also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from actions capable of escalating religious tensions or disturbing public order.
Bello reaffirmed the command’s commitment to upholding the law, protecting lives and property, defending citizens’ rights without discrimination, and working with relevant stakeholders to sustain peace and security across Zamfara State.
