State governments and security agencies across Nigeria have announced a series of coordinated security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration amid heightened security concerns and warnings of possible attacks during the festive period.
The measures include movement restrictions in some states, increased surveillance at worship centres, and nationwide deployment of security personnel to safeguard lives, public infrastructure, and vulnerable locations.
In Borno State, the government announced a temporary restriction on vehicular and human movement during Eid prayers as part of efforts to maintain public safety.
The directive, approved by Governor Babagana Zulum, will run from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday and applies to vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles across the state.
The Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, said the measure followed a security advisory issued by the military over possible terrorist attacks in crowded areas.
He explained that the restriction was intended to enhance security during Eid prayers and ensure better crowd control.
“Residents are advised to go to the Eid grounds nearest to their homes to ensure efficient movement and ease of identification and access,” he said.
However, security agencies, emergency responders, fire services, and other essential personnel with valid identification were exempted from the restriction.
Residents across the state’s 27 local government areas were urged to comply fully and cooperate with security operatives, while parents were advised to caution their children against actions that could disrupt public peace.
Zulum also called on residents to pray for lasting peace in the state and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reconstruction, resettlement, and security.
Elsewhere, police authorities across several states announced extensive deployments to strategic locations, including Eid prayer grounds, highways, recreational centres, and motor parks.
In Kwara State, the police command said it had deployed personnel across key public spaces and vulnerable points, with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical units ordered to intensify visibility policing, intelligence-led surveillance, stop-and-search operations, and crowd control.
The command also warned against the erection of tents and canopies on public roads, noting that such practices could pose security and traffic risks.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
In the Federal Capital Territory, the police command announced the deployment of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams to worship centres and recreational facilities as part of a broader security operation tagged “Operation Sweep FCT.”
The operation involves coordination among the police, military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Nigerian Immigration Service.
Authorities said the joint effort would focus on patrols, intelligence-driven raids, and preventive sweeps of high-risk locations to avert security breaches during the celebrations.
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Similarly, in Jigawa State, police authorities confirmed the deployment of operatives across Eid grounds, markets, highways, and motor parks, supported by tactical units, intelligence officers, traffic personnel, and undercover operatives.
The command said it is working with other security agencies to intensify surveillance, patrols, and confidence-building operations to ensure a peaceful festive period.
In Delta State, the police command also announced the deployment of personnel across strategic locations, including worship centres and major highways, with a focus on visibility policing, raids on criminal hideouts, and sustained patrols before, during, and after the celebrations.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it has deployed over 56,000 personnel nationwide to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure during the festivities.
The Corps also mobilised specialised units, including tactical squads, K9 units, and emergency response teams, while directing state commanders to ensure strict compliance with operational directives.
In Lagos, the NSCDC deployed 2,150 personnel to safeguard critical national assets such as pipelines, religious centres, and recreational facilities.
Security agencies across the country reiterated warnings to individuals or groups planning to disrupt public peace, stressing that anyone involved in criminal activity would be arrested and prosecuted.