Pix: General Christopher Musa, Defence Ministetr

By John Madaki

Security agencies have intensified nationwide operations, deploying thousands of personnel ahead of this weekend’s Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

Operatives have been stationed at Eid prayer grounds, mosques, shopping centres, recreational facilities, markets, motor parks, amusement parks, and locations housing critical national infrastructure.

The heightened security presence, particularly across northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, follows multiple explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday, which left 23 people dead and 108 others injured.

Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto has called on Muslims to observe the crescent moon that signals the end of Ramadan. The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark Eid-el-Fitr and the beginning of Shawwal.

In a statement signed by the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH, has been designated for the sighting of the new moon.

The council urged Muslims who sight the crescent to report to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to the Sultanate Council.

The statement noted that if the crescent is sighted, the Sultan of Sokoto, who is also President-General of the NSCIA, will make an official announcement. If not, Eid-el-Fitr will be observed on Friday.

Muslims were also advised to fulfil their religious obligations, including the payment of Zakatul Fitr on behalf of their families and dependants.

Separately, the NSCIA condemned recent attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, describing them as a violation of international law.

As part of nationwide security measures, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed 4,000 personnel across the Federal Capital Territory.

The FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, said the deployment covers specialised units, including the Arms Squad, Female Strike Force, Crack Squad, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives Counter-Terrorism Unit, and Agro Rangers.

He directed area commanders and divisional officers to ensure effective coverage across their jurisdictions and warned against any security lapses.

In Jigawa State, the NSCDC deployed 1,450 personnel to maintain security during the festivities. The command said the deployment was aimed at preventing security breaches and safeguarding lives and property.

Similarly, the Kano State Command deployed over 3,400 personnel across the state to secure Eid prayer grounds and other public locations. Authorities said the operation includes strengthened intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid response mechanisms.

The Federal Road Safety Corps in Kano also deployed 1,889 personnel and logistics for its Eid special patrol operations scheduled to run from March 17 to March 22, 2026.

In Kwara State, 2,350 NSCDC operatives have been mobilised across all 16 local government areas. The deployment focuses on the protection of critical infrastructure, prevention of crime, and ensuring public safety.

The Edo State Command of the corps also deployed more than 2,000 personnel across the state. The Commandant, Saidi Akintayo, said officers have been positioned at strategic locations, including markets, highways, recreational centres, and prayer grounds.

Across the states, authorities emphasised inter-agency collaboration, with security outfits working alongside local vigilante groups and community stakeholders to ensure effective coverage and rapid response to threats.

Residents nationwide have been urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities during the festive period.