Zamfara Police Arrest Man Over Video Threatening Christians

The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a man and commenced an investigation into a viral video in which a young man wearing the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) was allegedly heard chanting, “Give us rifles to go and kill Christians.”

The Commissioner of Police, CP A.M. Bello, disclosed this on Tuesday in Gusau during a press briefing on the incident.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for an urgent investigation into a viral video showing a young man leading a group of boys in chants threatening attacks on Christians in Enugu and Jos.

In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to establish the origin of the video, identify those involved, and determine who organised or facilitated the activity.

The group was heard calling for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians during Sunday worship, prompting CAN to describe the development as a serious threat that should not be dismissed as mere youthful exuberance.

Meanwhile, Bello said the command was alerted to the video circulating on social media, in which the suspect was seen in the company of pupils from two Islamiyya schools in Maradun Local Government Area.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026, while the suspect was on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque, where he and others were reportedly providing security during Friday prayers.

He identified the schools as Nurul Islam Islamiyya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiyya, both located in Maradun LGA, about 120 kilometres from Gusau.

According to him, the command immediately engaged the leadership of JIBWIS at the national and state levels, and the organisation disassociated itself from the suspect’s conduct.

He said the suspect was subsequently apprehended by JIBWIS and handed over to the police.

The CP identified the suspect as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, a native of Maradun LGA who was born on September 15, 2004.

He said the suspect attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in Maradun. He added that the suspect joined JIBWIS in 2025 and had recently secured admission to study Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.

Bello said that, upon the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect would be charged in court with alleged offences of 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.

He reassured citizens of all religious affiliations of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting lives and safeguarding the constitutional right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

He condemned any act capable of promoting religious hatred or threatening peaceful coexistence and urged religious leaders, parents, guardians and school authorities to promote tolerance and mutual respect, especially 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.

CAN Demands Probe Into Video Threatening Attacks on Christians

CAN expressed particular concern over the apparent involvement of children and young people, saying their exposure to messages promoting religious hatred and violence raised serious concerns.

The association also called on security agencies to assess any credible threats arising from the video and take measures to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.

According to CAN, Nigerians must be able to attend religious services without fear of attack or intimidation.

The Christian body also noted the reported disavowal of the video by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), but stressed that the denial should not replace an independent investigation.

“Beyond identifying those directly involved, the investigation should establish whether any individuals or groups encouraged, financed or facilitated the threats,” CAN said, insisting that anyone found culpable should face the full consequences of the law.

CAN further urged religious leaders across the country to unequivocally reject teachings, slogans or activities that promote hatred or violence against people of other faiths.

It said young Nigerians should be taught to respect human life and the dignity of others, warning that Nigeria could not afford to treat threats of religious violence lightly after years of bloodshed and distrust.

The association also appealed to Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, cautioning against retaliatory actions that could further inflame tensions.

“CAN stands for justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence,” Okoh said, stressing that every citizen, irrespective of religious affiliation, was entitled to equal protection under the law.

The association urged the government to act swiftly, investigate the video thoroughly and hold anyone found responsible accountable, declaring that the safety of Nigerians and the freedom to worship must never be negotiable.