Ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, the military under the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, has placed troops on high alert across the region over fears that remnants of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists may attempt to launch attacks during the festive period.
The Theatre Command disclosed that intelligence reports indicate possible isolated attacks targeting crowded civilian locations through suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), especially in densely populated areas during the Sallah celebrations scheduled for Wednesday, May 28.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the military assured residents that robust security measures have already been activated across the region to guarantee a peaceful and secure celebration.
The Command, while extending Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithful, stated that protecting lives and property remains its highest priority.
Security Forces Intensify Operations
According to the statement, troops have already been forward-deployed to vulnerable and strategic locations across all sectors within the theatre of operations, while surveillance and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets have been fully activated.
The military added that security patrols have also been intensified, with personnel working closely alongside other security agencies, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local vigilance groups to prevent any breach of security.
“The Theatre Command wishes to assure the public that these threats have been thoroughly anticipated,” the statement noted.
It further stressed that the coordinated security architecture put in place is aimed at forestalling any attempt by terrorist elements to disrupt the festivities.
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Residents across the North-East were, however, urged to remain cautious and security conscious throughout the celebrations.
The military advised citizens to conduct Eid prayers and festivities within their communities and familiar environments, while avoiding unnecessary exposure in unfamiliar locations.
People were also encouraged to remain vigilant in crowded places such as markets, motor parks, banks, shopping centres and prayer grounds.
The Command appealed to residents to promptly report any suspicious movement, unattended objects or strange activities to the nearest security agency.
The renewed security alert comes as authorities continue sustained counterterrorism operations against insurgent groups in the North-East, a region that has endured years of attacks linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.