“Stay Close To Home!” — Army Issues Security Advisory Ahead Of Eid-El-Kabir In North East

The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, has issued a fresh security advisory ahead of the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations, warning residents across the region to remain vigilant over possible attacks by remnants of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

In a statement issued on Monday by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, media information officer of the Joint Task Force, the military said credible intelligence indicated that terrorists may attempt to exploit the festive period to launch isolated attacks on civilian targets using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), especially in crowded locations.

The command, however, assured residents that troops had already been deployed to vulnerable areas across the theatre to prevent any security breach during the celebrations scheduled for Wednesday, May 27/28.

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

Adding, “Ahead of Wednesday’s celebrations, troops have been forward-deployed to critical and vulnerable locations across all sectors of the Theatre, surveillance and ISR assets have been fully activated, patrols have been intensified, and security forces are operating in close coordination with sister agencies, the CJTF, and community vigilance groups to forestall any threat and guarantee a secure festive period for all residents.”

The military urged residents to celebrate as close to their homes and familiar environments as possible while avoiding large public gatherings where practicable.

It also advised residents to exercise caution in crowded areas such as markets, motor parks, banking halls and prayer grounds, while urging members of the public to report suspicious movements, unattended objects or strange activities to security agencies immediately.

The command further called on citizens to cooperate with security personnel during patrols and screening operations and avoid unnecessary movement at night or in areas with limited security presence.

Residents were also warned against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic, with the military urging the public to rely only on official information from verified government and security channels.

The command appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations and community stakeholders to sensitise residents and encourage the timely sharing of credible security information during the Sallah period.

Operation HADIN KAI said troops remain on standby and 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 added.