KEY POINTS

• The military promised tight security for Eid el-Kabir across the North-East.
• It warned of possible insurgent attacks on crowded civilian targets.
• Residents were urged to stay alert and pray close to home.

The Nigerian military has pledged tight Sallah security across the North-East, vowing to keep Eid el-Kabir celebrations peaceful despite threats from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. Operation HADIN KAI issued the assurance on Monday, days before the festival on Wednesday, May 28. Moreover, the command said it had already activated security measures across the region. Eid el-Kabir, one of Islam’s most important festivals, draws large crowds to prayer grounds and markets, which makes the season especially sensitive.

Intelligence points to festive-season threats

The military said credible intelligence pointed to possible isolated attacks during the holiday. Specifically, the command warned that insurgent remnants might target crowded civilian areas with suicide bombers and explosive devices. However, it stressed that troops had anticipated the danger and prepared countermeasures.

Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the operation’s media officer, said the army had pushed troops forward to vulnerable locations across every sector. Additionally, it had switched on surveillance and intelligence assets and stepped up patrols. Meanwhile, soldiers were coordinating with the police, the Civilian Joint Task Force and community vigilance groups to close any gaps.

Operation HADIN KAI leads the fight against an insurgency that has gripped the North-East for more than 15 years. Indeed, the conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and uprooted millions across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. Insurgents have repeatedly struck soft targets there, including markets and camps for displaced families, so festive crowds raise particular alarm.

What residents are asked to do

The command urged residents to stay alert throughout the celebrations. Specifically, it asked people to avoid large gatherings where possible and to report suspicious movements or objects quickly. Therefore, it advised worshippers to hold Eid prayers close to home and familiar areas.

The military singled out markets, motor parks, banking halls and prayer grounds as places that demand extra caution. It also asked citizens to cooperate during patrols and screening, and to avoid spreading unverified claims that could cause panic. Indeed, the command warned that rumors can do real harm during a tense period.

A wider Sallah security push

The army appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, the media and community stakeholders to share credible information promptly. “Your cooperation with security forces remains invaluable to the success of ongoing operations,” the command said.

OPHK insisted its troops were ready and in control. “The command remains resolute in its determination to deny terrorists any freedom of action,” it said. The Sallah security push extended nationwide, as other agencies, including the FRSC and the Civil Defence Corps, deployed thousands of personnel for the holiday. Together, the measures aim to keep a festival of faith from becoming a target.