*OPHK urges cooperation with security forces
By AGATHA N UJU, Correspondent, Abuja
The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has raised hope for a peaceful Eid-el Kabir festivities across the North East region of Nigeria, extending warm felicitations to all Muslim faithful ahead of the Eid El Kabir celebrations.
The federal government has announced Wednesday, May 28 as public holiday to allow Muslims celebrate the Eid-el Kabir.
Wishing all residents of the North East a peaceful and joyful festivity, OPHK in a statement on Monday, assuring them of security.
OPHK emphasised that of it is keeping with its mandate to protect lives and property across the Theatre.
The statement by Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, informs the public that the Command has ensured that comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place well ahead of the celebrations to guarantee a safe and secure environment for all.
OPHK also informs, “Credible intelligence available to the Command indicates the possibility of isolated attempts by remnant Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements to exploit the festive period to carry out attacks against civilian targets using suicide bombers and IEDs, particularly in areas of high population concentration.
“The Theatre Command wishes to assure the public that these threats have been thoroughly anticipated. Ahead of Wednesday’s celebrations, troops have been forward-deployed to critical and vulnerable locations across all sectors of the Theatre, surveillance and ISR assets have been fully activated, patrols have been intensified, and security forces are operating in close coordination with sister agencies, the CJTF, and community vigilance groups to forestall any threat and guarantee a secure festive period for all residents.
“In addition, members of the public are strongly advised to observe the following security guidance in the days leading up to and throughout the celebrations: • Conduct Eid prayers and festivities as close to your homes and familiar localities as possible, and avoid large open gatherings where practicable.
“• Exercise heightened vigilance in crowded public spaces such as markets, motor parks, banking halls, and prayer grounds.
“• Report any suspicious persons, unattended objects, or unusual movements to the nearest military checkpoint, police station, or civil-military liaison point immediately.
“• Cooperate fully with security personnel during patrols and screening operations. “• Avoid unnecessary movement, particularly at night or in areas with limited security presence.
” • Refrain from spreading unverified information or rumours capable of causing public panic. Rely only on official information from verified government and security channels.
“The Theatre Command calls on traditional rulers, religious leaders, media organisations and community stakeholders to actively engage their communities and encourage the timely reporting of credible security information ahead of and during the celebration period.
“Your cooperation with security forces remains invaluable to the success of ongoing operations.
“Operation HADIN KAI reassures all residents of the North East that troops are on standby, fully prepared, and firmly in control.
“The Command remains resolute in its determination to deny terrorists any freedom of action and ensure that the Eid El Kabir celebrations proceed in an atmosphere of peace, safety, and dignity for all.
“The Theatre Command wishes the entire Muslim community a peaceful and rewarding Eid El Kabir celebration”.
