Eid-el-Kabir: Operation Hadin Kai warns of possible terror attacks, assures North-East residents of tight security

The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has assured residents across the North-East of adequate security arrangements ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, while warning of possible attempts by insurgents to disrupt the festivities.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the military extended goodwill messages to Muslim faithful ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration slated for Wednesday, May 28, 2026.

The command said extensive security measures had already been activated across the theatre to ensure peaceful celebrations throughout the region.

According to the statement, credible intelligence available to the military indicates that remnants of Boko Haram terrorists and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters may attempt isolated attacks on civilian targets during the festive period.

The statement noted that such attacks could involve suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), especially in crowded public places.

“Credible intelligence available to the Command indicates the possibility of isolated attempts by remnant Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) 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.

However, the Theatre Command reassured residents that security agencies had fully anticipated the threats and taken proactive measures to neutralise them.

“The Theatre Command wishes to assure the public that these threats have been thoroughly anticipated,” it stated.

The military disclosed that troops had been strategically deployed to critical and vulnerable locations across all operational sectors ahead of the celebrations.

It added that surveillance operations and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets had been fully activated, while patrols had also been intensified.

The statement further explained that security forces were working closely with sister agencies, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local vigilance groups to prevent any security breach during the festive season.

As part of precautionary measures, residents were advised to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel throughout the celebration period.

Operation Hadin Kai urged residents to observe Eid prayers and celebrations close to their homes and familiar environments where possible, while avoiding overcrowded gatherings.

The command also advised members of the public to remain alert in markets, motor parks, banking halls and prayer grounds, stressing the need for prompt reporting of suspicious persons, abandoned objects or unusual movements to security agencies.

Residents were equally cautioned against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic, with the military urging the public to rely only on official communication channels.

The statement called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations and community stakeholders to support ongoing security efforts by encouraging citizens to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.

“Your cooperation with security forces remains invaluable to the success of ongoing operations,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its commitment to restoring lasting peace in the region, Operation Hadin Kai maintained that troops remained fully prepared to deny terrorists any opportunity to disrupt the celebrations.

“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 concluded.