Zamfara Police Arrest Umar Maradun for Inciting Violence

Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, a 22-year-old from Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, was arrested by the Zamfara State Police Command for allegedly inciting religious violence in a viral video. The video, which circulated on social media on October 23, 2026, showed Maradun and other youths dressed in uniforms associated with Jama’atu Izalat Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) chanting for an AK-47 and threatening attacks in Enugu and Jos.

The Nigeria Police Force, represented by Force Public Relations Officer Ani Iniedu, confirmed the arrest, stating that Maradun made statements capable of threatening public peace. The police have initiated an investigation and engaged JIBWIS leadership, which disassociated itself from Maradun's actions.

The suspect, who joined JIBWIS in 2025 and is a Mass Communication student at Zamfara State University, will be charged in court. The police urged the public to remain calm and avoid sharing the video further.