Eid-el-Kabir: FG declares public holidays as security agencies heighten nationwide alert
The Federal Government has announced Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, while security agencies across the country step up surveillance amid intelligence warnings of possible attacks during the festive period.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement issued by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.
According to the statement, the public holidays were approved to enable Muslims in Nigeria and around the world to observe the religious festival, which the government described as spiritually significant.
Tunji-Ojo urged citizens to dedicate the period to prayers for peace, stability, and national progress, while also encouraging unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
The Federal Government also appealed for sober reflection during the celebration, noting the need for divine guidance as the country continues efforts to strengthen security and economic growth.
Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified nationwide deployments following intelligence reports suggesting the possibility of attacks by terrorist groups during the Sallah period.
The Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, warned that remnants of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) may attempt isolated attacks, particularly in crowded civilian areas, using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices.
The military formation said it had activated enhanced countermeasures, including forward deployment of troops to vulnerable locations, increased patrols, surveillance operations, and strengthened intelligence sharing with sister security agencies, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and local vigilante groups.
It assured residents that security forces were fully prepared to prevent any disruption, stressing that operations were ongoing to deny terrorists any opportunity to strike during the festivities.
Residents were also advised to remain alert, avoid unnecessary crowding where possible, and promptly report suspicious individuals or objects to security authorities.
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