The Nigerian military has warned residents of the North-East to avoid crowded areas during the Eid El Kabir celebrations amid heightened security concerns in the region.
The military also urged residents to remain vigilant throughout the festive period, comply with security directives, and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies to prevent possible attacks.
In a statement by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Theatre Command said extensive security measures had already been put in place ahead of the celebrations.
According to him, comprehensive security arrangements had been deployed to ensure a safe and secure environment for residents.
He said troops had been forward-deployed to critical and vulnerable locations across all sectors, while surveillance and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets had been activated.
He added that patrols had been intensified and security forces were working in coordination with sister agencies, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and community vigilance groups.
The Command further advised residents to celebrate within their immediate communities and avoid unnecessary exposure to potential threats.
It urged the public to conduct Eid prayers and festivities as close to their homes as possible and avoid large open gatherings where practicable.
Residents were also advised to exercise heightened vigilance in crowded spaces such as markets, motor parks, banking halls and prayer grounds, and to report suspicious persons or objects immediately.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba disclosed that credible intelligence indicated possible attempts by remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters to exploit the festive period to launch attacks.
He said the potential attacks could involve suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), particularly in densely populated areas.
The Command assured residents that the threats had been anticipated and security forces were fully prepared to respond.
It also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, the media and community stakeholders to support security efforts by encouraging timely reporting of credible intelligence.
Reaffirming its readiness, the military said troops remained on standby to deny terrorists any opportunity to disrupt the celebrations.
Linus Aleke
