Sallah: Army Warns of Possible Boko Haram, ISWAP Attacks in North-East

The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, has alerted residents of the North-East to possible isolated attacks by remnant Boko Haram terrorists and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The warning was issued on Monday in a statement by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, who disclosed that credible intelligence reports indicated that terrorists might attempt to strike civilian targets during the festive period.

According to the military, the planned attacks could involve suicide bombers and Improvised Explosive Devices, especially in densely populated locations across the region, with Borno State identified as one of the major areas of concern.

Despite the threat alert, the command assured residents that proactive security measures had already been put in place to prevent any breach during the celebrations scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, 2026.

Uba explained that troops had been deployed to vulnerable areas across all sectors under Operation HADIN KAI, while surveillance and Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance assets had also been activated to monitor suspicious movements.

He added that security patrols had been intensified in partnership with sister security agencies, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local vigilance groups to ensure maximum safety during the Sallah festivities.

The statement partly read, “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.”

Residents were advised to remain vigilant throughout the celebrations by avoiding unnecessary night movement, staying away from suspicious gatherings, and promptly reporting suspicious persons or objects to security agencies.

The command also urged the public to cooperate fully with security personnel during stop-and-search operations and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic.

Operation HADIN KAI further appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations, and community stakeholders to support ongoing security efforts through timely dissemination of credible information, assuring residents that troops remained fully prepared and firmly in control of the security situation across the North-East.