The military has assured residents of the North-East of adequate security ahead of the Eid El Kabir celebrations, saying troops have already been deployed across vulnerable areas to prevent attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, terrorists during the festive period.
The assurance was given by the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, on Monday as Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the Eid El Kabir celebrations scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the military said extensive security arrangements had been activated across the theatre to ensure residents celebrate peacefully despite lingering security threats in parts of the region.
The command also congratulated Muslim faithful on the occasion and wished residents a peaceful and joyful Sallah celebration.
According to the statement, intelligence reports available to the military indicated that remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters could attempt to take advantage of the festive period to launch isolated attacks on civilian targets.
The military warned that the terrorists might use suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices, IEDs, particularly in crowded locations where large numbers of people are expected to gather during the celebrations.
“Credible intelligence available to the command indicates the possibility of isolated attempts by remnant Boko Haram Terrorist and Islamic State West Africa Province elements to exploit the festive period to carry out attacks against civilian targets using suicide bombers and IEDs, particularly in areas of high population concentration,” the statement said.
Despite the warning, the military assured residents that security agencies had already anticipated the threats and taken necessary steps to prevent any attack.
“The Theatre Command wishes to assure the public that these threats have been thoroughly anticipated,” the statement added.
The command disclosed that troops had been forward-deployed to critical and vulnerable locations across all sectors under Operation HADIN KAI.
It also said surveillance operations had been strengthened while intelligence assets were fully activated to monitor suspicious movements and detect possible threats before they materialise.
The military explained that patrols had been intensified across major towns and communities, especially around markets, prayer grounds, motor parks, highways and other public areas expected to witness heavy human traffic during the Sallah celebrations.
According to the statement, troops are also working closely with other security agencies, including the police, intelligence services, the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, and local vigilance groups to ensure maximum security across the region.
The North-East has remained one of the most troubled regions in Nigeria for more than a decade following the Boko Haram insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of residents.
Although the military has recorded significant gains against insurgents in recent years, attacks by remnant terrorist groups still occur occasionally, especially in remote communities in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
In previous years, insurgents carried out attacks during religious celebrations, targeting markets, worship centres and public gatherings.
This has made security agencies more cautious during festive seasons, especially in the North-East where military operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP remain active.
As part of efforts to avoid security breaches, the military advised residents to remain alert throughout the Sallah period and report suspicious persons, objects or movements to security agencies immediately.
The command also urged citizens to avoid overcrowded gatherings where possible and remain security conscious at all times.
Residents were advised to hold Eid prayers and celebrations close to their homes and familiar neighbourhoods instead of travelling long distances unnecessarily.
The military specifically warned residents to be extra careful in crowded public places such as markets, motor parks, banking halls and prayer grounds where terrorists may attempt to exploit large gatherings.
The statement urged citizens to cooperate fully with security personnel during patrols, stop-and-search operations and other security checks that may be conducted during the celebrations.
It also warned against spreading rumours or unverified reports capable of causing panic among residents.
According to the military, false information and panic messages could create confusion and distract security agencies from ongoing operations.
The command appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community heads and media organisations to support ongoing efforts aimed at maintaining peace during the Sallah celebrations.
It urged community stakeholders to encourage residents to share credible intelligence with security agencies promptly.
“Your cooperation with security forces remains invaluable to the success of ongoing operations,” the statement said.
Operation HADIN KAI is the military operation leading counter-insurgency efforts against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the North-East.
The operation involves personnel from the Nigerian Army, Air Force and Navy working together with other security agencies to combat insurgency and restore stability in the region.
Over the years, the military has continued to carry out clearance operations, aerial bombardments and intelligence-driven missions against insurgent hideouts across the Lake Chad region and Sambisa Forest.
Military authorities have recently intensified offensives against terrorist camps while also strengthening security around major towns and public infrastructure.
Despite these efforts, isolated attacks, kidnappings and ambushes still occur in some parts of the North-East, particularly in rural communities where insurgents continue to operate.
Residents in the region have therefore continued to rely heavily on military presence during festive periods and other national celebrations.
Some residents of Maiduguri and surrounding communities who spoke with journalists expressed relief over the military’s assurance, saying increased patrols and visible security presence would help people celebrate with confidence.
Others, however, called on security agencies to maintain vigilance beyond the festive period, noting that insurgents often attack communities unexpectedly.
The military, however, insisted that troops remained fully prepared to deal with any threat during and after the Eid celebrations.
Reaffirming its commitment to securing the region, the command declared that troops were alert, battle-ready and firmly in control of the operational environment.
“The command remains resolute in its determination to deny terrorists any freedom of action and ensure that the Eid El Kabir celebrations proceed in an atmosphere of peace, safety, and dignity for all,” the statement added.