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The Nigerian military has issued a security warning ahead of Eid El Kabir celebrations, saying remnants of Boko Haram and Islamic State-affiliated fighters may try to carry out attacks during the festive period in the violence-plagued northeast.
“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 military said in a statement on Monday.
The warning came from Operation HADIN KAI, the joint military task force operating in the northeast, where jihadist groups have waged a 16-year insurgency that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions.
Theatre commander Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba said “comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place well ahead of the celebrations,” with troops deployed to critical locations, surveillance assets activated, and patrols intensified.
Authorities advised residents to hold Eid prayers close to home, avoid large gatherings where possible and remain vigilant in crowded public spaces such as markets, motor parks and prayer grounds.
“Report any suspicious persons, unattended objects, or unusual movements to the nearest military checkpoint, police station, or civil-military liaison point immediately,” the statement read.
“Cooperate fully with security personnel during patrols and screening operations. avoid unnecessary movement, particularly at night or in areas with limited security presence and refrain from spreading unverified information or rumours capable of causing public panic. Rely only on official information from verified government and security channels.”
The military called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and media organisations to help encourage the reporting of security information.
“The Theatre Command calls on traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations and community stakeholders to actively engage their communities and encourage the timely reporting of credible security information ahead of and during the celebration period. Your cooperation with security forces remains invaluable to the success of ongoing operations.”
Eid El Kabir, one of the most important Muslim festivals, is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, 2026. The northeast remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s long-running jihadist insurgency, although violence has also spread to other parts of the country in recent years.
The military said troops were “fully prepared and firmly in control” to ensure peaceful celebrations.
OPERATION HADIN KAI ISSUES SECURITY ADVISORY, ASSURES PUBLIC OF SAFE EID EL KABIR CELEBRATIONS ACROSS THE NORTH EAST
The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), extends warm felicitations to all Muslim faithful ahead of the Eid El Kabir 1447AH… pic.twitter.com/zW89VUBHs1
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) May 25, 2026
