OPERATION HADIN KAI RAISES ALERT, ASSURES SAFE EID CELEBRATIONS IN NORTH-EAST

“The Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that the Eid El Kabir celebrations proceed in an atmosphere of peace, safety, and dignity for all." OPHK

Emmanuel Onotevure, Abuja

The Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has assured residents of the region of enhanced security measures ahead of the Eid El Kabir celebrations scheduled for Wednesday, 28 May 2026, even as it warned of possible threats from remnants of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

In a security advisory issued on Monday, the Theatre Command extended felicitations to Muslim faithful and residents of the North East, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure festive period across all states under its area of responsibility.

The Command disclosed that credible intelligence suggests the possibility of isolated attempts by terrorist elements to exploit the festive period to target civilians, particularly through suicide bombings and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in crowded public spaces.

However, it stressed that these threats had been anticipated and proactively countered through comprehensive security deployments.

According to the advisory, which was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, "troops have been forward-deployed to vulnerable and high-risk locations across all sectors of the Theatre. Surveillance operations and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets have also been fully activated, while patrols have been intensified in collaboration with sister security agencies, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and community vigilance groups."

The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to security guidelines during the celebration period.

It advised residents to conduct Eid prayers and festivities within their immediate communities where possible, avoid large gatherings in open spaces, and exercise caution in crowded areas such as markets, motor parks, banking halls, and prayer grounds.

The statement further encouraged the public to promptly report suspicious persons, unattended items, or unusual movements to the nearest security formation, while also cautioning against night movements in areas with limited security presence.

Residents were also advised to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing panic, urging reliance only on official security and government communication channels.

Operation HADIN KAI called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations, and community stakeholders to support ongoing security efforts by sensitising their communities and encouraging timely reporting of credible intelligence.

Reassuring the public, the Theatre Command stated that troops remain fully prepared, vigilant, and in control of the security situation across the North East, adding that efforts were ongoing to deny terrorist groups any freedom of action.

“The Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that the Eid El Kabir celebrations proceed in an atmosphere of peace, safety, and dignity for all,” the statement added.