Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the military high command has raised a high-priority security alert across the North-East, warning that remnant Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements may attempt to exploit the festive period to carry out isolated attacks against civilian targets using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), particularly in areas of high population concentration. The headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), disclosed in a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, that "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, issued on Monday, May 25, 2026, also extended warm felicitations to all Muslim faithful ahead of the celebrations and wished residents of the region a peaceful and joyful festivity, while making it clear that the threats had been thoroughly anticipated. The Theatre Command stated that in line with its mandate to protect lives and property, comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place well ahead of the celebrations to ensure a safe and secure environment for all. "Ahead of Wednesday's celebrations, troops have been forward-deployed to critical and vulnerable locations across all sectors of the Theatre, surveillance and ISR assets have been fully activated, patrols have been intensified, and security forces are operating in close coordination with sister agencies, the CJTF, and community vigilance groups to forestall any threat and guarantee a secure festive period for all residents," the statement read.
The military said security forces were working closely with sister agencies, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilance groups across the region to ensure maximum security. The command assured residents that necessary countermeasures had been put in place. The Theatre Command also issued a detailed security guidance for residents, advising them to conduct Eid prayers and festivities as close to homes and familiar localities as possible, to avoid large open gatherings where practicable, to exercise heightened vigilance in crowded public spaces such as markets, motor parks, banking halls, and prayer grounds, and to report any suspicious persons, unattended objects, or unusual movements to the nearest military checkpoint, police station, or civil-military liaison point immediately. The military also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations, and community stakeholders to actively engage their communities and encourage the timely reporting of credible security information ahead of and during the celebration period.
Operation HADIN Kai reassured all residents of the North-East that troops are on standby, fully prepared, and firmly in control. "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. The security alert came just days after troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, eliminated 12 ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorist fighters during a failed attack on a military position in the Kirawa axis of Sector 1 OPHK Area of Responsibility along the Nigeria-Cameroon border in the early hours of May 22, 2026. Following that engagement, troops confirmed the neutralisation of 12 terrorists and recovered AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade systems, ammunition, and a PKT machine gun.
The military has urged residents to cooperate fully with security personnel during patrols and screening operations throughout the period, and to refrain from spreading unverified information or rumours capable of causing public panic. As millions of Muslims across the North-East prepare for the Eid prayers, the military's message is clear: celebrate, but celebrate with caution.
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