FG Declares Wednesday and Thursday Sallah Public Holidays

• Military warns residents of north-east to avoid crowded areas during celebrations

•FRSC deploys 581 personnel, ambulances in Jigawa, NSCDC deploys 4,000 in FCT

•Sokoto police assures adequate security ban gun fire, illegal procession

Michael Olugbode, Linus Aleke in Abuja, Ibrahim Shuaibu in Dutse and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The federal government has declared Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28 as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Kabir celebration, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Magdalene Ajani.

The declaration came as millions of Muslims across Nigeria and around the world prepare to commemorate the festival, which symbolises sacrifice, obedience to God and compassion for humanity.

In the statement, the federal government extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful at home and in the Diaspora, urging Nigerians to use the sacred period to pray for peace, unity and national progress.

“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 government described the celebration as a spiritually significant occasion rooted in faith, sacrifice and shared humanity, stressing the need for citizens to embrace tolerance and national cohesion at a time the country continues to confront economic and security challenges.

The two-day holiday declaration is expected to trigger massive movement of travelers across the country as families gather for the celebration, with transport hubs, markets and livestock centres already witnessing increased activities ahead of the festivities.

The federal government, however, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and national unity, wishing Muslims across the country a peaceful, joyous and spiritually fulfilling Eid celebration.

Military Warns Residents of N’East to Avoid Crowded Areas During Sallah

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, “In keeping with its mandate to protect lives and property across the Theatre, the Command wishes to inform the general public that comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place well ahead of the celebrations to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.

“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.

“In addition, 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.”

FRSC Deploys 581 Personnel, Ambulances for Eid-el-Kabir Operations in Jigawa

The Jigawa State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, has deployed 581 personnel, ambulances and patrol vehicles across the state for a special Eid-el-Kabir operation aimed at ensuring safe and hitch-free celebrations.

In a statement issued Monday in Dutse, the command’s spokesman, Yahaya Ibrahim, said the operation would run from May 25 to May 31 to manage the expected increase in human and vehicular movement during the festive period.

According to him, the deployment includes 461 regular personnel, 120 special marshals, eight patrol vehicles and four ambulances stationed at strategic locations for monitoring and rescue services.

Ibrahim said the operation was designed to promote safe road use, reduce road crashes and ease traffic flow on major highways across the state.

He added that the corps had intensified public enlightenment campaigns and enforcement of traffic regulations to encourage responsible driving among motorists and other road users.

“The operation is focused on reduction in Road Traffic Crashes on highways and major roads in the state,” he said.

NSCDC Deploys 4,000 Personnel in FCT

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 4,000 personnel across the nation’s capital to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The deployment was made on the order of the NSCDC Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, and announced in a statement.

He said the massive deployment was aimed at protecting lives, property and critical national assets before, during and after the Sallah festivities.

According to the Commandant, the deployment covers specialised units of the Corps, including the Arms Squad, Female Strike Force, Crack Squad and Agro Rangers, strategically positioned across the FCT and its environs.

Odumosu explained that undercover operatives from the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) unit had also been mobilised to sweep the territory for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and forestall any attempt by criminals or bandits to disrupt the celebrations.

He noted that security personnel had been stationed at Eid prayer grounds, mosques, shopping malls, recreational centres, markets, amusement parks, motor parks and other soft targets, as well as areas housing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure.

The Commandant added that black spots and uncompleted buildings known to harbour criminal elements were equally under surveillance to prevent security breaches.

Odumosu directed Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to collaborate closely with other security agencies to guarantee maximum security across their jurisdictions.

He also warned personnel against harassment, intimidation of residents and accidental discharge, stressing that strict adherence to operational rules of engagement would be enforced.

Sokoto Police Assures Adequate Security Ban Gun fire,  Illegal Procession

The Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, has unveiled a comprehensive security plan for this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, warning residents against violating rules that could disrupt peace in the Caliphate.

In a statement, the command public relations officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Ahmad Rufai, said  the CP congratulated the people of Sokoto on the festival and said the advisory followed a tactical meeting with Area Commanders, DPOs, and tactical teams to ensure hitch-free celebrations.

The statement further said ahead of the celebrations, the Command has stepped up patrols and intelligence-led surveillance around prayer grounds, markets, motor parks, and critical infrastructure. Citizens were urged to report suspicious objects or strangers loitering near crowded areas and to avoid unapproved processions without security clearance.

Families were also advised to secure their homes and businesses and to teach children basic safety tips as large gatherings were expected across the state.

For Eid day, the CP announced strict entry rules at all praying grounds. No unauthorized vehicles will be allowed within prayer perimeters, while firearms, sharp objects, and intoxicants remain banned at event venues.

He stressed that orderly conduct was mandatory during and after prayers. Pushing, running, or hooliganism will not be tolerated, and parents must keep children under close watch to prevent accidents or separation.

CP Shaffa called on traditional rulers and imams to use their sermons to remind worshippers that Eid demands compassion, restraint, and respect for law and order.