The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, amid heightened security concerns and nationwide deployments by military and law enforcement agencies.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holidays in a statement issued on Monday through the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani.
According to the statement, the declaration reflects the Federal Government’s recognition of the religious and spiritual importance of Eid-el-Kabir to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world.
Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for peace, unity and national prosperity, while encouraging citizens to promote peaceful coexistence.
“The Federal Government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance upon the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security and prosperity for every citizen,” the statement read.
The holiday declaration comes as security agencies across the country intensify operations following intelligence reports of possible attacks by terrorist groups during the Sallah celebrations.
The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, disclosed that troops had been placed on high alert across the North-East region.
In a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of the operation, Lt Col Sani Uba, the military warned that remnants of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province could attempt isolated attacks on civilian targets using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices.
“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,” the statement noted.
The military, however, assured residents that troops had been forward-deployed to vulnerable areas while surveillance, patrols and intelligence operations had been strengthened in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.
Residents were advised to remain vigilant, avoid overcrowded areas where possible and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
In Bauchi State, the police command said it had intensified security around Eid grounds, highways, markets and recreational centres across the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, quoted the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, as warning criminals against any attempt to disrupt public peace during the festivities.
Similarly, the Sokoto State Police Command announced increased patrols and intelligence-led surveillance around prayer grounds, markets and motor parks.
The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Shaffa, urged residents to avoid unauthorised processions and gatherings capable of causing panic during the celebration.
In Kogi State, the police command deployed 485 personnel drawn from tactical units, intelligence departments, bomb disposal squads and highway patrol teams to ensure security during the celebrations.
The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps also deployed 4,000 personnel across Abuja and neighbouring communities.
The FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, said specialised squads, including the Female Strike Force, Crack Squad and Agro Rangers, had been mobilised to secure prayer grounds, shopping malls, markets and critical infrastructure.
Undercover operatives from the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive unit were also deployed to detect and neutralise possible explosive threats.
In Kano State, the NSCDC deployed 3,250 personnel, while Gombe State Command mobilised 720 officers and men to maintain security before, during and after the celebrations.
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Kwara State Command of the NSCDC also announced the deployment of 2,480 operatives across the 16 local government areas of the state.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps intensified traffic management operations nationwide.
In Kwara State, the FRSC deployed 950 officers, marshals and first responders alongside patrol vehicles, ambulances and tow trucks to ensure safer highways during the festive period.
The FRSC in Kano State also deployed 1,889 personnel for a week-long special patrol operation aimed at reducing traffic accidents, congestion and highway emergencies during the Sallah celebrations.
Authorities across the country have assured Nigerians of adequate security arrangements and urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies to ensure peaceful and hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
