The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has reassured residents across the North-East region of robust security arrangements ahead of the Eid El Kabir celebrations scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, 2026.
The military high command said extensive measures had already been put in place to guarantee peaceful celebrations across the region despite lingering threats posed by remnants of Boko Haram insurgents and fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
In a statement issued on Monday, the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed that troops had intensified surveillance operations, patrols, intelligence gathering and coordinated security deployments in major cities, towns and vulnerable communities across the theatre of operations.
According to the statement, the security reinforcement became necessary following credible intelligence reports indicating that insurgents might attempt to exploit the festive period to launch isolated attacks on civilian targets using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The military, however, assured residents that security agencies were fully prepared to neutralise any threat and maintain law and order throughout the Sallah celebrations.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba stated that the command had activated a comprehensive security architecture involving land, air and intelligence assets aimed at preventing any breach of security during the festive period. He noted that troops had already been placed on high alert across strategic locations including markets, worship centres, motor parks, highways and other public places expected to witness increased human and vehicular movement during the celebrations.
He explained that the intensified security measures were part of Operation HADIN KAI’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the North-East, while also sustaining the gains recorded in the counter-insurgency campaign over the years.
The statement further revealed that joint security operations involving the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies had been strengthened to ensure seamless coordination throughout the holiday period.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel by reporting suspicious movements, abandoned objects and unusual activities within their communities.
The military also cautioned citizens against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic or fear, stressing that the security situation remained under control.
“The general public is advised to go about their lawful activities without fear while remaining security conscious at all times,” the statement read.
Operation HADIN KAI further extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across the North-East and the country at large ahead of the Eid El Kabir celebrations.
The command prayed for peaceful and joyful festivities while encouraging residents to use the occasion to promote unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among communities affected by years of insurgency.
The reassurance from the military comes amid sustained efforts by security forces to eliminate the remaining pockets of insurgents operating within the Lake Chad region and parts of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
In recent months, troops of Operation HADIN KAI have continued clearance operations, ambush missions and aerial offensives targeting terrorist enclaves, logistics bases and supply routes used by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.
Security analysts believe that festive periods often present opportunities for insurgent groups to attempt high-profile attacks aimed at creating fear and attracting public attention. This has prompted security agencies to heighten alert levels during religious and national celebrations.
Despite occasional attacks in remote communities, authorities maintain that significant progress has been achieved in degrading insurgent capabilities across the North-East.
Residents in major cities such as Maiduguri, Damaturu and Yola have also expressed cautious optimism ahead of the celebrations, with many hoping for peaceful festivities after years of insecurity and disruption caused by insurgency.
Community leaders and religious clerics have equally called on citizens to support security agencies through timely information sharing and adherence to safety guidelines during the Sallah period.
As preparations for Eid El Kabir gather momentum across the region, the renewed assurance from Operation HADIN KAI is expected to boost public confidence and encourage residents to celebrate peacefully under heightened security surveillance.
