By Gloria Attah
Ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations scheduled for Wednesday, the Defence Headquarters has warned of possible attacks by remnants of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) targeting civilians in the North-East.
The military said intelligence reports indicate that the terrorists may attempt to exploit the festive period to launch isolated attacks using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), especially in crowded public places.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.
While extending Eid greetings to Muslim faithful, the military assured residents that adequate security arrangements had been put in place across the theatre of operations to guarantee peaceful celebrations.
According to the statement, “credible intelligence available to the Command indicates the possibility of isolated attempts by remnant Boko Haram Terrorists and 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 command, however, said the threats had been anticipated and that troops had already been deployed to strategic and vulnerable locations across the North-East.
It added that surveillance and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance assets had been fully activated, while patrols had been intensified in collaboration with other security agencies, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local vigilance groups.
“The Theatre Command wishes to assure the public that these threats have been thoroughly anticipated. Troops have been forward-deployed to critical and vulnerable locations across all sectors of the theatre,” the statement said.
Residents were also advised to remain vigilant throughout the celebration period.
The military urged members of the public to hold Eid prayers and celebrations close to their homes where possible and avoid crowded gatherings. It also warned residents to be alert in busy areas such as markets, motor parks, banking halls, and prayer grounds.
The command further encouraged residents to report suspicious persons, unattended objects, or unusual movements to security agencies immediately and cooperate fully with troops during patrols and security checks.
It also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of causing panic, urging residents to rely only on official security updates.
The military called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations, and community stakeholders to support ongoing security efforts by encouraging residents to share credible intelligence with security agencies.
Reassuring residents of the region, the military said troops remain on high alert and fully prepared to respond to any security threat during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
“The command remains resolute in its determination to deny terrorists any freedom of action and ensure that the Eid celebrations proceed in an atmosphere of peace, safety, and dignity for all,” the statement added.
