FG Declares Eid-el-Kabir Holiday Amidst Security Alert

FG Declares Eid-el-Kabir Holiday Amidst Security Alert, the FG has declared Wednesday and Thursday as a public holiday ahead of Eid Celebration amidst an intelligence report of terrorists planning to launch attack in the North East.

KaNo —

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration amid heightened security alerts and nationwide deployments of military and law enforcement agencies.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holidays in a statement issued on Monday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

According to the statement, the declaration reflected the Federal Government’s recognition of the spiritual significance of Eid-el-Kabir to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world.

Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to use the period to pray for peace, security and national prosperity, while calling for unity and peaceful coexistence among citizens.

FG Declares Eid-el-Kabir Holiday Amidst Security Alert

“The Federal Government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance upon the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for every citizen,” the statement read.

Military Warn Of Possible Attack
The holiday declaration came as security agencies across the country announced large-scale deployments and heightened surveillance following intelligence reports of possible attacks by terrorist groups during the Sallah celebrations.

The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, said troops had been placed on high alert across the North-East ahead of the celebrations.

In a statement  issued on Monday,by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt Col Sani Uba, the military warned that remnants of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province might attempt isolated attacks on civilian targets using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices.

“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 statement said.

FG Declares Eid-el-Kabir Holiday Amidst Security Alert

The military  assured residents that comprehensive countermeasures had been activated across the theatre of operation.

The command added that troops had been forward-deployed to vulnerable locations, while surveillance operations, patrols and intelligence activities had been intensified in collaboration with sister security agencies, the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilante groups.

“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.

The military advised residents to remain vigilant, avoid crowded gatherings where possible, and promptly report suspicious movements or objects to security agencies.

NSDC Deploys 4000 Personnel To Abuja
In the Federal Capital Territory, the NSCDC announced the deployment of 4,000 personnel across Abuja and surrounding areas.

The FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, said specialised units, including the Female Strike Force, Crack Squad and Agro Rangers, had been mobilised to secure Eid prayer grounds, shopping malls, markets, recreational centres and critical national assets.

He added that undercover operatives from the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive unit had also been deployed to detect and neutralise possible improvised explosive devices.

Odumosu urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies, while warning officers against harassment, intimidation and accidental discharge.

NSCDC Deploys 2,480 Personnel To Kwara
In Kwara State, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it had deployed 2,480 operatives across the 16 local government areas to ensure peaceful celebrations.

The Kwara State Commandant of the corps, Abbas Mohammed, said the deployment was intelligence-driven and involved specialised tactical units, including the Armed Squad, Counter-Terrorism Unit and Anti-Vandal Unit.

“We are fully committed to working closely with sister security agencies, community leaders, and vigilante groups to ensure law and order are maintained throughout the festive period,” he said.

Also in Kwara, the Federal Road Safety Corps said it had deployed 950 officers, marshals and first responders, alongside patrol vehicles, ambulances and a heavy-duty tow truck to ensure safer highways during the celebrations.

FG Declares Eid-el-Kabir Holiday Amidst Security Alert

The Corps Commander, Kabiru Kazeem, warned motorists against speeding, dangerous driving and other traffic violations.

NSCDC Deploys 3,250 Personnel To Kano
The Kano State Command of the NSCDC said it had deployed 3,250 personnel across the state to provide “watertight security” during and after the festivities.

The command said security had been tightened around Eid prayer grounds, recreational centres and critical infrastructure, while rapid response teams had been placed on standby to respond to emergencies.

It also warned thugs and criminal elements against disrupting public peace, stressing that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Similarly, the FRSC in Kano State said it has  deployed 1,889 personnel for a week-long special patrol operation ahead of the celebrations.

FG Declares Eid-el-Kabir Holiday Amidst Security Alert

The Kano Sector Command said the operation, which commenced on May 25 and would run until May 31, was aimed at reducing road crashes, traffic congestion and highway emergencies during the Sallah period.

Sector Commander, Idris Mohammed Lawal, said the command had deployed patrol vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks and rescue teams to strategic locations across the state.
He added that mobile courts would remain operational for the speedy prosecution of traffic offenders.