Troops of the Operation Hadin Kai have assured residents in the North East region of Nigeria of enhanced security during the Eid El Kabir celebrations.

The assurance came in a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Ubu and Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, citing activated troop deployments, intensified patrols, and surveillance to counter potential Boko Haram and ISWAP threats like suicide attacks or IEDs in crowded areas.

“The Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful ahead of the Eid El Kabir 1447AH celebrations while assuring residents across the North East of adequate security measures to guarantee peaceful festivities,” the statement read.

The military statement also urged the public to remain vigilant, celebrate near home environments, report suspicious activities promptly, and cooperate with security forces while avoiding unverified information that could cause panic.

“Comprehensive security arrangements had already been activated across the theatre to protect lives and property before, during and after the celebrations,” it stated.

It adds, that credible intelligence available to the Command indicates possible isolated attempts by remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists and ISWAP elements to exploit the festive period by targeting civilians through suicide attacks and improvised explosive devices, especially in densely populated areas.

Operation HADIN KAI, however, reassured the public that the threats had been anticipated and necessary countermeasures fully implemented.

According to the Command, troops have been forward deployed to critical and vulnerable locations across all sectors, while surveillance and intelligence assets have been activated to strengthen monitoring and rapid response operations.

The Command further stated that patrols had been intensified, with security forces working closely with sister agencies, the Civilian Joint Task Force and community vigilance groups to prevent any breach of security and ensure a peaceful Eid celebration throughout the region.

Residents were advised to remain vigilant during the festivities by conducting Eid prayers and celebrations close to their homes and familiar environments where possible, while avoiding unnecessary exposure in crowded public places.

The Command also urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious persons, unattended objects or unusual movements to the nearest security formation, cooperate with security personnel during patrols and screening operations, and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic among residents.

Operation HADIN KAI called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations and community stakeholders to continue supporting ongoing security efforts through timely dissemination of credible information and community engagement.

The Theatre Command reaffirmed that troops remain fully prepared and committed to denying terrorists freedom of action across the North East, assuring residents that the Eid El Kabir celebrations would be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, safety and dignity.

“Operation HADIN KAI wishes all Muslim faithful a peaceful and rewarding Eid El Kabir celebration,” the statement added.