Security agencies have heightened security, mobilising thousands of personnel across the nation ahead of this weekend’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Personnel are to be stationed at Eid prayer grounds, mosques, shopping malls, recreational centres, markets, motor parks, amusement parks, and areas housing critical national infrastructure.
The massive mobilisation of security personnel, especially in Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, comes on the back of Monday’s multiple bomb explosions in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, which killed 23 people while 108 others were injured.
This comes as the Sultan of Sokoto asked Muslims to look out for the crescent that would mark the end of Ramadan, while the Federal Government declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid el Fitr and signal the beginning of Shawwal.
A statement released by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and signed by its Secretary General, Prof Emeritus Is-haq Oloyede, said Wednesday, March 18, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH, has been set aside for the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal.
It added that any Muslim who sights the crescent should report the sighting to the nearest District or Village Head for onward communication to the Sultanate Council for confirmation.
“Muslims who sight the new moon should report the sighting to the nearest district or village head, who will in turn communicate the information to His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, for further announcement,” the statement said.
The statement added, “If the crescent is sighted, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of NSCIA, would be informed either directly or through the already advertised Muslim traditional rulers or members of the National Moon Sighting Committee (NMSC) for further action.
“If the crescent is not sighted on Wednesday, the ‘Id shall be observed on Friday. Therefore, all Muslims are enjoined to discharge their religious obligations, including paying Zakatul Fitr on behalf of all their family members and dependants.”
The NSCIA also condemned what it termed unprovoked attacks by the United States and Israel on the sovereign Islamic Republic of Iran on February 28, 2026.
“It is clear to all that the attacks were a flagrant violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter.
“Apart from targeting and killing the Supreme Leader of the country, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and a number of his family members, the attacks also resulted in the death of close to 200 innocent school girls in the Southern part of the country,” it said.
The massive deployment ahead of the Eid-el-Fitr saw the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deploy 4,000 personnel across the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The corps also deployed personnel across its commands in Kano, Kwara, Jigawa, among others.
Commander of the NSCDC, in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Monica Ojobi, said apart from deployment of personnel to vulnerable locations, undercover officers had also been deployed for covert operations and surveillance.
The statement read, “The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Federal Capital Territory Command, Olusola Odumosu, has ordered the deployment of 4,000 personnel across the nooks and crannies of the FCT to enforce law and order as well as ensure a peaceful Eid-el-Fitr.
“The deployment, which covers specialised units including the Arms Squad, Female Strike Force, Crack Squad, Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosive Counter-Terrorism Unit, and Agro Rangers, aims to secure the lives and property of residents, as well as Critical National Assets and Infrastructure before, during, and after the festival.”
Odumosu instructed all area commanders and divisional officers to ensure a strong security presence in their respective councils.
“All hands must be on deck. I will not tolerate any form of breaches; ensure your personnel comply adequately,” he said.
He further charged officers to maintain discipline, uphold good conduct, and work in coordination with other security agencies.
In Jigawa, the NSCDC deployed 1,450 personnel to ensure a peaceful Salah celebration in the state.
According to a statement on Tuesday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Badaruddeen Tijjani, said, “The deployment is part of efforts to forestall security breaches. We will ensure a secure environment before, during, and after Salah.
“We will be vigilant to prevent any incidents. The deployment aims to strengthen security presence and prevent criminal activities.
“Special teams, including Anti-Vandal and Disaster Management Units, are on high alert to protect national assets and public facilities,” it added.
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Kabiru Ingawa, further directed officers to intensify patrols and surveillance.
“The deployment is aimed at safeguarding lives and property throughout the celebrations,” Ingawa said.
He stressed that the NSCDC would protect critical national assets and farmlands, emphasising that “our Agro-Rangers Squad is on standby to prevent any attacks on farms.”
The Kano State command of the NSCDC deployed over 3,400 personnel across the state to ensure security before, during, and after the Eid-el-Fitr.
The State Commandant, Hassan Agalama, in a statement on Tuesday, by the command’s PRO, Ibrahim Abdullahi, noted that the deployment was part of proactive measures to guarantee peaceful festivities and protect critical national assets.
According to him, operatives had been strategically positioned at Eid praying grounds, recreational centres, markets, motor parks, and other vulnerable public locations across Kano State.
“We have deployed over 3,400 personnel across the state as part of proactive measures to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration,” Agalama said.
He added that special attention had been given to the protection of critical infrastructure, including power installations, water facilities, telecommunication masts, and other government assets.
Agalama said intelligence and surveillance units had been strengthened, while rapid response teams were placed on high alert to address emergencies.
“Our operatives have been strategically stationed at Eid grounds, markets, motor parks, and other public places, while rapid response teams are on standby to respond promptly to any security threat,” he added.
He urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security operatives, and report any suspicious movements to the appropriate authorities.
He also advised parents and guardians to caution their wards against engaging in unlawful acts during the celebrations.
A sister agency, the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kano Sector Command, deployed no fewer than 1,889 personnel and operational logistics for the 2026 Eid-el-Fitri Special Patrol Operations.
This was revealed in a statement on Tuesday by the Sector Command’s PRO, Abdullahi Labaran.
Labaran said the operation was expected to commence from Tuesday, 17th to 22nd March 2026.
Also, the Kwara State command of the NSCDC deployed 2,350 operatives across the state to ensure a safe and peaceful Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
A statement by the command’s PRO, Ayoola Shola, said the State Commandant of the force, Bala Bodinga, approved the deployment as part of proactive measures to protect critical national assets, prevent crime, and safeguard residents before, during, and after the celebrations.
“The Kwara State Commandant of the NSCDC, Bala Bawa Bodinga, has approved the deployment of 2,350 operatives to provide robust protection of critical national assets and the safety of residents throughout the Eid celebration,” the statement read.
“The deployment covers all sixteen (16) local government areas of the state, with personnel drawn from specialised units, including the Armed Squad, Operational Harmony, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Anti-Vandal Unit, and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Unit,” it added.
The statement explained that the operation was intelligence-driven and anchored on detailed threat assessments to identify flashpoints, high-risk corridors, and other vulnerable locations across the state.
“The operation is underpinned by credible intelligence and detailed threat mapping, with priority attention accorded to flashpoints, high-risk corridors and other sensitive locations to ensure maximum effectiveness and public safety.
“Area Commanders and Divisional Officers have been mandated to sustain aggressive patrols, strengthen surveillance and implement proactive response measures within their Areas of Responsibility.”
The NSCDC also reaffirmed its commitment to inter-agency collaboration, noting that it would work closely with other security outfits, local vigilantes, and community stakeholders to enhance security coordination.
“The NSCDC will coordinate closely with other security agencies, local vigilantes, and community members to ensure comprehensive coverage, rapid response, and uninterrupted public safety during the festive period.”
In Edo, the NSCDC deployed more than 2,000 personnel across the state to ensure security before, during and after the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
The state Commandant of the corps, Mr Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing journalists in Benin.
Akintayo described the move as part of proactive measures to guarantee a peaceful and hitch-free celebration.
“We have deployed more than 2,000 personnel drawn from our specialised units across the three senatorial districts to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration,
“These units include the Armed Squad, Female Special Squad, Counter Terrorism, Disaster Management, and the Commandant’s Monitoring Team,” he said.
He added that the personnel had been strategically positioned across the state to adequately secure public places such as markets, recreational centres, prayer grounds, highways and other vulnerable points.
Akintayo revealed that the command would work closely with other security agencies to ensure comprehensive coverage and rapid response to emergencies.
“We are working in synergy with other security agencies to guarantee public safety and ensure a peaceful festive period for all residents.
”Area Commanders and Divisional Officers have been directed to intensify patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering, step up surveillance, and adopt proactive security measures within their jurisdictions,” he further said.
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