The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, has warned residents across the region to heighten vigilance following renewed threats of suicide attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP elements in the closing days of Ramadan.
The military said recent incidents in Maiduguri, particularly around Monday Market, the Post Office area and the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, underscored the continued targeting of crowded civilian locations by insurgents.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Media Information Officer of the task force, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said intelligence reports indicated an increased risk of attacks as terrorist groups often intensify operations during significant religious periods.
He noted that places of worship, markets, motor parks and other public gathering centres were particularly vulnerable during the 27th and 29th days of Ramadan due to high human traffic.
The statement urged residents to remain security conscious, especially in crowded locations, and advised worshippers attending Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers to cooperate with security checks.
According to the military, members of the public should be alert to suspicious movements, report unattended items, avoid overcrowded areas where possible and comply with stop-and-search procedures.
Parents and guardians were also advised to monitor their children’s movements, particularly during evening hours, while community and religious leaders were called upon to sensitise members and report suspicious activities.
The task force added that security agencies had intensified surveillance, patrols and protective measures across critical locations to prevent further attacks and ensure a peaceful Ramadan and Eid celebrations.
It stressed that public cooperation remained vital in counter-terrorism efforts, urging citizens to promptly share useful information with security operatives.
The military reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, reiterating that efforts were ongoing to deny terrorist groups freedom of action in the region.
