Residents across Nigeria’s North East have been placed on high alert following a security advisory issued by the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), warning of a possible surge in suicide bombing attacks during the closing days of Ramadan.
The advisory, released on Tuesday, comes in the wake of recent attacks in Maiduguri on Monday evening, which targeted crowded locations including Monday Market, the Post Office area, and the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), resulting in casualties.
According to the military, intelligence reports indicate that Boko Haram and ISWAP elements are likely to intensify attacks during significant periods of religious observance, particularly around the 27th and 29th days of Ramadan, when there is increased movement of people in mosques, markets, and other public spaces.
The Joint Task Force warned that such periods are often exploited by террорист groups seeking to cause panic and gain propaganda advantage through attacks on densely populated civilian areas.
To mitigate potential threats, the military has urged residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious, especially in crowded environments such as places of worship, shopping centres, motor parks, hospitals, and major road junctions.
Worshippers attending Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers were specifically advised to cooperate with security personnel, particularly during screening and access control procedures.
The advisory outlined key safety measures for the public, including staying alert to suspicious movements or individuals, promptly reporting unattended items, avoiding overcrowded areas where possible, and complying with security checks.
Parents and guardians were also advised to closely monitor their children’s movements, particularly during evening hours, while community leaders, religious authorities, and transport unions were encouraged to support security agencies through public sensitisation and timely reporting of suspicious activities.
The military assured that security agencies across the region have intensified surveillance, patrols, and protective measures around critical infrastructure and population centres to prevent further attacks.
“Theatre Headquarters reassures all residents of the North East that security forces remain fully committed to protecting lives and property,” the statement read, emphasizing that proactive cooperation from the public remains vital in counter-terrorism efforts.
The statement, signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant, reiterating the importance of timely information in preventing attacks.
“if you see something, say something. Security is everyone’s responsibility,” the statement concluded.
Heightened Terror Threat in North East: Military Urges Vigilance in Final Days of Ramadan
