Tag: Eid-El-Kabir

  • IGP Disu Orders Massive Security Deployment Nationwide Ahead of Eid-el-Kabir

    The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered enhanced security deployments across Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

    The police boss also extended Eid greetings to Muslim faithful across the country while assuring Nigerians of improved security during the festive period.

    Police Strengthen Nationwide Security

    In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the IGP directed Commissioners of Police and Tactical Commanders nationwide to intensify security operations across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    According to the statement, the Nigeria Police Force has activated several operational measures aimed at ensuring peaceful and hitch-free celebrations.

    The measures include the deployment of tactical teams, intelligence operatives and conventional police officers to Eid prayer grounds, highways, recreational centres, motor parks and other public places.

    The police also announced intensified visibility policing, stop-and-search operations, coordinated patrols and intelligence-led surveillance activities.

    IGP Urges Nigerians To Remain Vigilant

    Disu urged Nigerians to remain security conscious throughout the celebration and immediately report suspicious movements or activities.

    The police specifically warned citizens to pay attention to unattended bags, unusual gatherings, suspicious individuals around public places and any movement suggesting possible criminal activities.

    “Do not ignore suspicious activity. Do not assume someone else has already reported it. Your call is confidential and could prevent a tragedy,” the statement read.

    The Force added that swift response protocols had already been activated nationwide to tackle any emerging threat during the Sallah celebration.

    Emergency Numbers Released

    The Nigeria Police Force also released emergency contact lines for members of the public to report security threats during the holiday period.

    The emergency numbers include 08057000001, 08057000002, 09133333785 and 09133333786.

    The IGP wished Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration while reaffirming the police force’s commitment to public safety and national security.

  • Tinubu Tells Nigerians ‘Dark Tunnel Is Over’ in 2026 Eid-el-Kabir Message

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country is gradually overcoming its economic and security challenges, declaring that “the walk through the dark tunnel is over” in his 2026 Eid-el-Kabir message.

    The President made the remarks in a statement released on Tuesday to commemorate the Muslim festival of sacrifice.

    Tinubu Speaks On Sacrifice And National Renewal

    Tinubu congratulated Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, describing the occasion as a reminder of faith, obedience, sacrifice and compassion.

    According to him, Nigeria is currently undergoing a difficult but necessary period of reconstruction and renewal through ongoing reforms introduced by his administration.

    “As a nation, we are on a journey of reconstruction and renewal. The reforms we have undertaken are challenging but necessary to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria for future generations,” he said.

    The President added that the sacrifices made by Nigerians over the past three years were beginning to produce positive economic outcomes.

    “Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth,” he stated.

    ‘The Light Is Here’

    Tinubu further expressed confidence that the reforms pursued by his administration would continue to improve security and create more opportunities for citizens.

    “The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here,” the President declared.

    He also acknowledged ongoing insecurity challenges in some parts of the country despite efforts by security agencies.

    “I am aware that, despite the best efforts of our security and intelligence agencies, heartless terrorists and bandits still attack some communities. I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil,” he said.

    Calls For Prayer, Unity And Compassion

    The President urged Nigerians to use the Eid celebration to pray for peace, national unity and wisdom for leaders.

    He also encouraged citizens to support the less privileged and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood across religious and ethnic lines.

    Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in security, infrastructure, agriculture and human capital development.

    He concluded by wishing Muslims a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

  • High Food Prices, Costly Rams Force Nigerians Into Modest 2026 Sallah Celebration

    As Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, many families are scaling down spending as rising food prices, expensive livestock and increasing transportation costs continue to worsen economic hardship.

    Across several major cities, market surveys showed that inflation, insecurity, fuel costs and expensive animal feed have significantly pushed up the prices of rams, goats, rice, tomatoes, pepper and other staple items associated with the Sallah celebration.

    Ram Prices Rise Sharply

    Livestock traders said many customers now visit markets only to check prices without making purchases.

    At Orange Market, trader Musa Ibrahim said the situation has become difficult for buyers.

    According to another trader, Lawal Adamu, rising transportation expenses and insecurity along highways contributed heavily to the increase in livestock prices.

    A roadside livestock seller in Nyanya, identified as Abdullahi, revealed that rams previously sold for around ₦700,000 now cost close to ₦1 million.

    At Zuba Market, the cheapest ram available after bargaining reportedly sold for about ₦275,000, while fully grown male goats sold for around ₦120,000.

    Food Prices Also Surge

    Food traders in Lagos also complained about sharp increases in the prices of tomatoes, pepper, onions, rice and cooking oil.

    A trader at Iyana Oba Market, identified simply as Ashiru, said a basket of tomatoes now sells for about ₦80,000 compared to ₦52,000 or ₦53,000 previously.

    He added that a basket of pepper increased from about ₦15,000 to ₦45,000, while a bag of onions rose from ₦56,000 to ₦90,000.

    Another trader, Mrs Ruth Lawal, explained that a bag of rice that previously sold for ₦52,000 now costs about ₦65,000.

    She also said 25 litres of groundnut oil increased from ₦50,800 to ₦61,200.

    Families Scale Down Celebration Plans

    Some residents admitted they may not be able to afford the traditional Eid sacrifice this year.

    A civil servant, Ibrahim Sani, said some families are now considering joint contributions to buy a ram.

    “People still want to perform the sacrifice because it is spiritually important, but the prices are becoming too high for average earners,” he said.

    Another resident, Taiwo Jimoh, said his family would celebrate with whatever they could afford.

    “We are going to celebrate the festival with whatever we have. I told my children they have to wear what they already have at home,” he said.

    Jimoh urged Nigerians to avoid unnecessary pressure during the festive period and focus on gratitude.

    Calls For Moderate Celebration

    A Lagos-based Brand and Communications Strategist, Abiodun Yakubu, noted that Islamic teachings encourage moderation and celebrations within one’s financial capacity.

    “The focus should now be on gratitude, prayer and togetherness rather than luxury,” he said.

    According to the latest Consumer Price Index released by the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 15.69 percent in April 2026 from 15.38 percent recorded in March.

    Although Eid-el-Kabir celebrations are expected to hold nationwide on May 27 and 28, many Nigerians say this year’s Sallah may be more about survival than elaborate festivities.

  • FG Declares May 27, 28 Public Holidays For Eid-ul-Adha Celebration

    The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to celebrate this year’s Eid-ul-Adha festival.

    The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, on Monday in Abuja.

    FG Felicitates Muslims

    According to the statement, the declaration reflects the Federal Government’s recognition of the spiritual significance of the Islamic celebration observed by millions of Muslims in Nigeria and around the world.

    Tunji-Ojo extended warm greetings to Muslim faithful both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, describing Eid-ul-Adha as a period that symbolises sacrifice, obedience to God, compassion, and faith.

    Call For Prayers, Unity

    The Federal Government also urged Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the country and reflect on the need for peace, unity, and national progress.

    “It is in the spirit of brotherhood, shared humanity, and national unity that the Federal Government wishes all Muslims a peaceful, blessed, and joyous celebration,” the statement read.

    The government further expressed hope that the values associated with Eid-ul-Adha would strengthen harmony and peaceful coexistence across the country.

  • Military Raises Terror Alert Ahead Of Eid-El-Kabir, Warns Of Possible Boko Haram, ISWAP Attacks

    The Nigerian military has raised fresh security concerns over possible terrorist attacks ahead of the upcoming Eid-El-Kabir celebrations, warning that Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remnants may attempt isolated strikes.

    The alert was contained in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba.

    Intelligence Warns Of Possible Attacks

    According to the statement, credible intelligence suggests that terrorist groups may target civilian locations during the festive period using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), particularly in crowded public spaces.

    The military said the threats are being closely monitored, with security forces already activating countermeasures.

    Troops Deployed Across Vulnerable Areas

    Lt. Col. Uba said the Theatre Command has deployed troops to strategic and vulnerable locations across all operational sectors in the North-East.

    He added that surveillance systems, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, have been activated, while patrols have been intensified across key areas.

    Security agencies are also working in coordination with sister services, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local vigilance groups to prevent any breakdown of security during the celebrations.

    Call For Public Cooperation

    The military urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations, and community stakeholders to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible intelligence.

    It reaffirmed its commitment to denying terrorist groups freedom of action and ensuring a peaceful festive period for residents across the North-East.