The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has issued a fresh security advisory to residents across the North East, warning of an increased threat of suicide bombing attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists during the final days of Ramadan.
In a statement released by the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the military said recent security developments point to heightened risks of coordinated terrorist attacks targeting crowded civilian areas across the region.
According to the statement, the warning follows the deadly explosions recorded in Maiduguri on Monday evening around Monday Market, the Post Office area, and the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), which resulted in casualties and renewed fears of terrorist infiltration in the Borno State capital.
The military noted that the incidents further expose the continued determination of Boko Haram/ISWAP elements to strike densely populated civilian locations in order to spread panic and gain propaganda advantage.
OPHK stated that historical intelligence and past attack patterns show that terrorist groups often escalate operations during significant religious periods, particularly around the 27th and 29th days of Ramadan, when mosques, markets, motor parks, hospitals, and other public gathering points witness increased human traffic.
In view of the threat, the Joint Task Force urged residents across the North East to remain highly vigilant, security conscious, and observant of their surroundings, especially in crowded places such as mosques, prayer grounds, markets, shopping centres, bus terminals, hospitals, and major road junctions.
Worshippers attending Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers, as well as other religious gatherings, were specifically advised to exercise caution and fully cooperate with security personnel conducting screening and access control measures.
The military advised the public to remain alert to suspicious persons or unusual movements, particularly individuals loitering around crowded areas or attempting to evade security checks.
Residents were also urged to immediately report unattended bags, parcels, or suspicious objects to the nearest security personnel, avoid overcrowded areas where possible, and maintain strong situational awareness while attending public or religious events.
OPHK further called on parents and guardians to closely monitor the movement of their children, especially during evening hours and night prayers.
Community leaders, religious authorities, market associations, and transport unions were also encouraged to intensify sensitisation efforts and support ongoing security operations by promptly reporting suspicious activities within their communities.
The military disclosed that security agencies across the North East have already heightened operational readiness, increased surveillance, intensified patrols, and reinforced protective measures around critical infrastructure and population centres to prevent further attacks during the remaining days of Ramadan and the upcoming Eid celebrations.
Reaffirming its commitment to the safety of residents, the Theatre Headquarters assured the public that troops remain fully prepared and determined to protect lives and property while denying terrorist elements freedom of action across the region.
“The public is urged to remain calm but vigilant. If you see something, say something. Security is everyone’s responsibility,” the statement added.
