DHQ: Boko Haram Planning Attacks During Eid-el-Kabir; Avoid Large Prayer Grounds

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has warned that some Boko Haram Terrorists are trying to attack some ‘isolated’ areas in the country, particularly in the North East during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations slated for Wednesday this week, calling on Nigerians to be cautious.

The DHQ said it has received credible “intelligence” that the insurgents, who are remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists, BHT, and Islamic State West Africa Province, SWAP, are planning to exploit the festive period  to carry out attacks against civilian targets using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), particularly in highly populated areas.

The DHQ gave the warning in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, the nation’s capital by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lt Col Sani Uba.

“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,” DHQ said.

What should Nigerians and other residents do to assist security agencies, according to DHQ?

• Conduct Eid prayers and festivities as close to homes and familiar localities as possible, and avoid large open gatherings where practicable.
• Exercise heightened vigilance in crowded public spaces such as markets, motor parks, banking halls, and prayer grounds.
• Report any suspicious persons, unattended objects, or unusual movements to the nearest military checkpoint, police station, or civil-military liaison point immediately.
• Cooperate fully with security personnel during patrols and screening operations.
• Avoid unnecessary movement, particularly at night or in areas with limited security presence.
• Refrain from spreading unverified information or rumours capable of causing public panic. Rely only on official information from verified government and security channels.