By our reporter 27.10.2026
A youth who was seen in viral video threatening to kill Christians in Nigeria has been arrested by the police.
The youth identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun in the video wore the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Zamfara State Chapter. He was with other pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area. Ghandi Maradun was arrested on Tuesday by JIBWIS and handed over to the police.
According to the police, the video allegedly contains the words, “give us rifles to go and kill Christians.” The command said it deployed its intelligence resources to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the recording.
Preliminary findings indicate 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 provided security during Friday prayers and preaching.
The two schools identified in connection with the video are Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both in Maradun Local Government Area, about 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.
The police said they engaged JIBWIS leaders at the national and state levels following the emergence of the video. The organisation reportedly disassociated itself from the suspect’s alleged conduct and the recording.
According to the command, preliminary information shows that the suspect was born on September 15, 2004. He attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in Maradun.
The police said he joined JIBWIS in 2025 and recently secured admission to study for a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.
Zamfara police commissioner Muhammad Bello appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from actions that could heighten religious tensions or disturb public order.