The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has assured residents of the North-East region of adequate security ahead of the 2026 Eid El Kabir celebrations, declaring that troops and security assets have been strategically deployed to prevent any form of terrorist attack during the festive period.
The assurance was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, ahead of the Sallah celebration scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, 2026.
In the statement, the military command extended Eid El Kabir greetings to Muslim faithful across the region and expressed optimism that residents would celebrate peacefully despite lingering security concerns linked to insurgent activities in parts of the North-East.
According to the military, intelligence reports available to the command indicated that remnants of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) might attempt to exploit the festive season to launch isolated attacks on soft civilian targets using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices.
“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 read.
The command, however, assured residents that the threats had already been anticipated and that robust countermeasures had been activated across operational sectors.
“The Theatre Command wishes to assure the public that these threats have been thoroughly anticipated,” the military stated.
Operation HADIN KAI disclosed that troops had been forward-deployed to vulnerable and strategic locations across the theatre of operation, while surveillance systems, intelligence assets and patrol operations had also been intensified to enhance security monitoring throughout the celebration period.
The military added that security agencies were working in close collaboration with sister agencies, the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilance groups to ensure coordinated security operations across affected communities.
“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.
Residents were also advised to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with security agencies during the festivities.
The military urged members of the public to avoid overcrowded locations where possible and to promptly report suspicious persons, movements or abandoned objects to security personnel.
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It specifically advised residents to observe Eid prayers and festivities within familiar neighbourhoods and close to their residences to minimise security risks.
The statement further warned citizens against spreading unverified information capable of creating panic or undermining ongoing security operations.
“Residents are encouraged to exercise heightened vigilance in crowded public spaces such as markets, motor parks, banking halls, and prayer grounds,” the command stated.
Operation HADIN KAI also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations and community stakeholders to support security operations by encouraging residents to share timely and credible intelligence with relevant authorities.
“Your cooperation with security forces remains invaluable to the success of ongoing operations,” the command emphasised.
The renewed security alert comes amid continued military offensives against insurgent groups operating within the North-East, where troops have sustained operations targeting terrorist enclaves across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned that insurgent groups often attempt to exploit major religious celebrations and public gatherings to stage attacks aimed at causing fear and disrupting normal social activities.