North-East: DHQ warns of possible Boko Haram, ISWAP attacks during Eid celebrations

Ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations slated for Wednesday, the military high command on Monday raised the alarm over the possibility of isolated attempts by remnant Boko Haram terrorists (BHT) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements to exploit the festive period to carry out attacks against civilian targets using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), particularly in areas of high population concentration.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lt Col Sani Uba.

The statement, while felicitating with Muslim faithful ahead of the celebrations, assured that in line with its mandate to protect lives and property across the theatre, the command had put in place adequate security measures to ensure peaceful and joyful celebrations.

According to it, “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 using suicide bombers and IEDs, particularly in areas of high population concentration.”

“The Theatre Command wishes to assure 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 have been 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.”

The statement added that members of the public are strongly advised to observe the following security guidelines in the days leading up to and throughout the celebrations:

• Conduct Eid prayers and festivities as close to 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.
• 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.

It 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, stressing that cooperation with security forces remains vital to ongoing operations.

The military authorities reassured residents of the North-East that troops are on standby, fully prepared, and firmly in control, adding that 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.