The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, while security agencies across the country have intensified operations following intelligence reports of possible terrorist attacks during the festive period.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement issued on Monday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.
According to the statement, the holidays underscore the Federal Government’s recognition of the spiritual significance of Eid-el-Kabir to Muslims in Nigeria and around the world. Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for peace, security, unity and national prosperity.
“The Federal Government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance upon the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for every citizen,” the statement said.
The declaration comes amid heightened nationwide security concerns, with military and law enforcement agencies launching coordinated deployments to prevent attacks during the Sallah celebrations.
In the North-East, the Headquarters Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, announced that troops had been placed on high alert across the region.
In a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the military warned that remnants of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province could attempt isolated attacks on civilian targets using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices.
The military disclosed that troops had been forward-deployed to vulnerable locations, while surveillance operations, patrols and intelligence gathering had been intensified in collaboration with other security agencies, the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilante groups.
Residents were advised to remain vigilant, avoid crowded gatherings where possible and promptly report suspicious movements or objects to security agencies.
In Bauchi State, the police command said it had strengthened security arrangements and deployed officers to Eid grounds, highways, recreational centres and other public places across the state’s 20 local government areas.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib, quoted the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, as warning criminal elements against activities capable of disrupting public peace during the celebrations.
Similarly, the Sokoto State Police Command issued a security advisory urging residents to avoid actions capable of causing panic before, during and after the festivities.
According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Shaffa, confirmed that patrols and intelligence-led surveillance had been intensified around Eid prayer grounds, markets, motor parks and critical infrastructure.
The police also warned against unauthorised processions and gatherings during the celebration period.
In Kogi State, the police command deployed 485 personnel drawn from various units, including the Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, to maintain law and order throughout the festivities.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Afusat Saliu, said the deployment was ordered by Commissioner of Police Naziru Kankarofi to ensure a peaceful celebration.
In the Federal Capital Territory, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed 4,000 personnel across Abuja and surrounding communities.
FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu said specialised units, including the Female Strike Force, Crack Squad and Agro Rangers, had been mobilised to secure Eid prayer grounds, markets, shopping malls and critical national assets.
Undercover operatives from the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive unit were also deployed to detect and neutralise possible improvised explosive devices.
In Kano State, the NSCDC deployed 3,250 personnel to provide what it described as “watertight security” during and after the celebrations, while the Federal Road Safety Corps deployed 1,889 personnel for a week-long special patrol operation aimed at reducing road crashes and traffic congestion during the Sallah period.
Sector Commander Idris Mohammed Lawal said patrol vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks and rescue teams had been stationed at strategic points across the state, adding that mobile courts would remain operational for speedy prosecution of traffic offenders.
The NSCDC also announced additional deployments in Gombe State and Kwara State to maintain peace and protect critical infrastructure throughout the Eid celebrations.
In Kwara, the FRSC deployed 950 officers, marshals and first responders, alongside ambulances and patrol vehicles, to ensure safer highways during the holiday period.
Authorities across the country have continued to urge residents to remain security conscious and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebrations nationwide.
Comments