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The security situation in Nigeria’s northeast remains “calm but unpredictable” following troops’ efforts to ensure the peaceful conduct of Eid-el-Adha prayers in communities once terrorised by militant groups, the military said on Wednesday.
“The general security situation remains calm but unpredictable,” said Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, spokesman for Operation HADIN KAI, the joint task force leading counter-terrorism operations in the region.
On Monday, the military had issued a security advisory, warning that remnants of Boko Haram and Islamic State-affiliated fighters could exploit the celebrations to target civilians.
“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 military said in a statement.
Despite the threat, troops deployed in the Ngoshe community provided security and joined residents for Eid prayers at the Ngoshe Central Mosque, an area previously threatened by terrorist groups, according to Uba.
“The development is particularly symbolic as the location was previously threatened by terrorist elements, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing aggressive military operations and the gradual restoration of normalcy,” Uba said.
Troops also provided security coverage during Eid prayers in Gwoza town, he added.
In separate operations, soldiers arrested three suspected criminals in Gar Gwigwi village, Biu Local Government Area, Borno State.
“The operation led to the arrest of three suspected criminals identified as Aliyu Mamadu, Umar Mohammed, and Adamu Aliyu, who had been terrorising residents. The suspects were apprehended without resistance after being positively identified by their victims,” he said.
Items recovered included mobile phones, charms, a dagger, cash and a locally made gun.
The weapon was returned to its owner, a member of the Miyetti Allah group who had been robbed a day earlier, Uba said.
“Preliminary findings confirmed that the firearm belonged to Mallam Manu Ibrahim, a member of the Miyetti Allah group, who had been robbed a day earlier.
“The weapon has since been returned to its rightful owner, further reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property.”
A suspected terrorist collaborator, Alhaji Gambo, 33, was also arrested during routine security checks in Monguno town, noting that the suspect is currently in custody for further investigation.
Uba added that the suspects arrested in the various operations are currently in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of criminal and terrorist networks within the Theatre.
“However, troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high, with personnel continuing to demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and operational effectiveness in safeguarding communities,” he said.
TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI ENSURE PEACEFUL CONDUCT OF EID EL ADHA PRAYERS, SUSTAIN OPERATIONAL MOMENTUM IN NORTH EAST
The Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) , under the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY V/SIEGE OPERATIONS, has continued to… pic.twitter.com/8NHxIowQ6U
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) May 27, 2026
