The Headquarters of the Northeast Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has issued a security advisory following recent attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the region. The advisory aims to ensure a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration across six insurgency-affected states.
Advisory Details
Lt-Col. Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, disclosed in a statement from Maiduguri that the advisory is essential for the warm felicitations to all Muslim faithful ahead of the Eid El Kabir celebrations scheduled for Wednesday, 27th May 2026. He wished all residents of the North East a peaceful and joyful festivity.
Uba stated: “In keeping with its mandate to protect lives and property across the Theatre, the Command wishes to inform the general public that comprehensive coordinated security arrangements have been put in place well ahead of the celebrations to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.”
Intelligence and Threats
Beyond the advisory, the information officer added: “Credible intelligence available to the Command indicates the possibility of isolated attempts by remnant Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements to exploit the festive period to carry out attacks against civilian targets by using suicide bombers and IEDs, particularly in areas of high population concentration.”
The Theatre Command assured the public that these threats have been thoroughly anticipated. Ahead of Wednesday’s celebrations, troops have been forward-deployed to critical and vulnerable locations across all sectors of the Theatre. Surveillance and ISR assets have been fully activated, patrols intensified, and security forces are operating in close coordination with sister agencies, the CJTF, and community vigilance groups to forestall any threat and guarantee a secure festive period for all residents.
Security Guidance for the Public
Members of the public are strongly advised to observe the following security guidance in the days leading up to and throughout the celebrations:
- Conduct Eid prayers and festivities as close to your homes and familiar localities as possible, and avoid large open gatherings where practicable.
- Exercise heightened vigilance in crowded public spaces such as markets, motor parks, banking halls, and prayer grounds.
- Report any suspicious persons, unattended objects, or unusual movements to the nearest military checkpoint, police station, or civil-military liaison point immediately.
- Cooperate fully with security personnel during patrols and screening operations and avoid unnecessary movement, particularly at night or in areas with limited security presence.
- Refrain from spreading unverified information or rumours capable of causing public panic. Rely only on official information from verified government and security channels.
Call for Stakeholder Cooperation
The Theatre Command called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations, and community stakeholders to actively engage their communities and encourage the timely reporting of credible security information ahead of and during the celebration period. Uba added: “Your cooperation with security forces remains invaluable to the success of ongoing operations.”
Operation HADIN KAI reassured all residents of the North East that troops are on standby, fully prepared, and firmly in control. 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.
