Army Raises Terror Alert Ahead of Eid-el-Kabir, Deploys Troops Across North-East

The Nigerian military has issued a security alert ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, warning residents in the North-East of possible attacks by remnants of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The warning was issued by the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, which disclosed that intelligence reports indicated possible attempts by terrorist elements to target crowded civilian locations during the festive period using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

According to the military, troops have already been deployed to critical and vulnerable areas across the theatre of operation, while surveillance and intelligence assets have been fully activated to prevent any security breach during the celebrations.

The statement, signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said patrols had been intensified and security agencies were working closely with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), police, and community vigilance groups to strengthen security across the region.

Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary movement at night, remain vigilant in crowded places such as markets, prayer grounds, motor parks, and banking halls, and promptly report suspicious movements or unattended objects to security authorities.

The military also urged citizens to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic and encouraged reliance on official communication channels for security updates.

Security analysts say the warning reflects growing concern over possible attempts by terrorist groups to exploit major public gatherings and festive periods to stage attacks. Nigeria has continued to battle insurgency in parts of the North-East despite intensified military operations and regional security cooperation.

Operation HADIN KAI, however, reassured residents that troops remain fully prepared and committed to ensuring peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebrations across the region.