The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a young man featured in a viral video allegedly showing him chanting a song calling for the killing of Christians in Enugu and Jos.

The suspect, identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, was reportedly apprehended by the Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) before being handed over to the police for investigation.

The video, which sparked widespread outrage on social media, allegedly showed the suspect wearing the uniform of JIBWIS, Zamfara State Chapter, while leading a drill involving pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area.

The recording reportedly contained the words, “give us rifles to go and kill Christians,” prompting calls from Nigerians for the suspect to be arrested and prosecuted over the alleged threat.

Confirming the arrest, the state Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Bello, said the command remained committed to protecting the lives and rights of all residents, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

Bello said the police had deployed intelligence resources to identify those involved in the video and establish the circumstances surrounding its recording.

Preliminary findings indicated that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026, while the suspect was reportedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque. He and others were said to have been providing security during Friday prayers and preaching.

The two Islamic schools mentioned in connection with the video are Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun Local Government Area, approximately 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.

The police disclosed that they had engaged JIBWIS leaders at both national and state levels following the video's emergence. The organisation reportedly distanced itself from the suspect’s alleged actions and the recording.

According to the police, preliminary information showed that Maradun was born on September 15, 2004. He attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in Maradun.

The command added that the suspect joined JIBWIS in 2025 and recently secured admission to study Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.

Bello said investigations were continuing and that the suspect would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction after the process was concluded.

He explained that the proposed charges could include 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, subject to the evidence gathered and the relevant legal provisions.

The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining public order and protecting residents across religious divides as investigations into the controversial video continue.