Ahead of the Eid-el Fitr celebrations, the Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has alerted to possible plans by Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT), and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements to hit civilian targets, particularly in areas of high population concentration.
Consequently, the JTF said it has deployed troops to critical and vulnerable locations across all sectors of the Theatre, with accompanying activation of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, to forestall the planned attacks.
A statement signed on Monday by the Media Information Officer, Lt-Col. Sani Uba, however, advised residents to avoid unnecessary movement, particularly at night or in areas with limited security presence.
They are further enjoined to conduct Eid prayers and festivities close to their homes and familiar localities, avoid large open gatherings where practicable, exercise heightened vigilance in crowded public spaces such as markets, motor parks, banking halls, and prayer grounds.
Suspicious persons, unattended objects, or unusual movements to the nearest military checkpoint, police station, or civil-military liaison point, are to be reported promptly, while full cooperation with security personnel during patrols and screening operations, is encouraged.
“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.
Credible intelligence available to the Command indicates the possibility of isolated attempts by remnant Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements to exploit the festive period to carry out attacks against civilian targets using suicide bombers and IEDs, particularly in areas of high population concentration.
“The Theatre Command wishes to assure the public that these threats have been thoroughly anticipated.
“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”, the Military said.
While reiterating the need for members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or rumours capable of causing public panic, the Military advised them to rely only on official information from verified government and security channels.
“The Theatre Command calls on traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations and community stakeholders to actively engage their communities and encourage the timely reporting of credible security information ahead of and during the celebration period.
“Your cooperation with security forces remains invaluable to the success of ongoing operations.
“Operation HADIN KAI reassures all residents of the North East that troops are on standby, fully prepared, and firmly in control.
“The Command remains resolute in its determination to deny terrorists any freedom of action and ensure that the Eid El Kabir celebrations proceed in an atmosphere of peace, safety, and dignity for all”, it concluded.
