The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old member of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) over a viral video showing him leading children and teenagers in a march while chanting slogans calling for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos.
The video, which sparked widespread outrage and calls for an investigation, reportedly showed the suspect wearing the uniform of the First Aid Group, popularly known as ‘Yan Agaji, a volunteer arm associated with JIBWIS.
In the footage, the suspect was seen leading a group of young people in marching drills and chants in Hausa, demanding firearms to carry out attacks on Christians attending church services on Sundays in Enugu and Jos.
The threats have raised concerns over religious intolerance, the potential radicalisation of young people and the need for security agencies to respond swiftly to incitement to violence.
The police subsequently apprehended the 22-year-old suspect, who was identified as the man leading the chants in the video.
The arrest comes amid mounting public pressure for security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the footage and establish whether other individuals were involved in the alleged threats.
Reacting to the controversy, JIBWIS National Chairman, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, condemned the remarks and distanced the organisation’s leadership from the statements attributed to the individual.
Bala Lau reportedly called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to investigate the incident and identify those responsible.
The organisation’s position followed growing public anger over the video, particularly its references to attacks on Christians in two locations that have experienced security and communal tensions.
Human rights advocates and civil society groups, including Amnesty International, have also called for an independent investigation into the threats, stressing the importance of accountability and the protection of religious freedom.
Former senator Shehu Sani also weighed in on the controversy as public reactions intensified, with calls for the authorities to determine the full circumstances surrounding the video.
The incident has renewed concerns about the use of inflammatory religious rhetoric and the involvement of children and teenagers in activities that could expose them to extremist messaging.
Security experts and rights advocates have repeatedly warned that threats targeting people on the basis of their religion can heighten tensions and undermine peaceful coexistence, particularly in communities already vulnerable to violence.
The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the recording, the suspect’s role and whether further action is warranted against anyone else connected to the incident.
Authorities have yet to establish publicly, from the information available, whether the threats were linked to an organised plan or whether additional arrests will follow.
The arrest underscores the importance of investigating threats of religious violence and ensuring that those found responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law.