The suspect, a native of Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, was arrested following a video that surfaced on social media showing him and other Islamic school pupils chanting provocative songs.
In the footage, which was recorded on October 23, 2026, while the suspect was on his way to the Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque, he was heard demanding AK-47 rifles to attack Christians in places like Enugu and Jos.
The chant, which was done openly on the street, attracted widespread condemnation from both Muslims and Christians across the country, with many Nigerians describing it as hate speech capable of inciting religious crisis.
Confirming the arrest during a press briefing in Gusau on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Bello, said the suspect was apprehended after the video went viral and sparked public outrage.
According to him, an active and thorough investigation is currently underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, the motive behind the chant, and to identify other individuals who appeared in the video.
The police boss assured that the command will not tolerate any act capable of breaching public peace or inciting religious violence in the state.
The arrest comes days after the national leader of the Izala group, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, denied that the suspect is a member of JIBWIS.
The police, however, said investigation will reveal the true identity and affiliation of the suspect, adding that anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Zamfara State Police Command further called on residents to remain calm, avoid reprisal attacks, and report any suspicious activities capable of causing unrest to security agencies.
