As Muslims across Nigeria celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, the Nigeria Police Force has announced enhanced nationwide security deployments, with officers ordered to intensify patrols, surveillance, and intelligence-led operations during the festive period.

The directive was issued by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who said security agencies are working to ensure peaceful celebrations across the country.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the police chief congratulated Muslim faithful and called for unity, peace, and vigilance during the holiday.

“The Nigeria Police Force places the highest premium on public vigilance. Every Nigerian has a role to play in keeping our communities safe during this festive season,” the statement said.

Police Increase Deployments Nationwide

According to the police, Commissioners of Police and Tactical Commanders across all state commands and the Federal Capital Territory have been directed to strengthen security operations throughout the Eid period.

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

Authorities also said visibility policing, coordinated patrols, stop-and-search operations, and surveillance duties would be intensified nationwide.

The police added that rapid response measures had been activated to address potential security threats during the celebrations.

Why It Matters

The Eid-el-Kabir celebration typically sees increased travel, large public gatherings, and higher commercial activity across Nigeria.

Security analysts say such periods often require heightened vigilance due to crowd-related risks, traffic congestion, and the possibility of criminal activities targeting busy public areas.

Nigeria has in recent years faced security concerns ranging from kidnappings and armed robberies to attacks on public infrastructure, making festive security operations a major focus for authorities.

Public safety experts say collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies remains critical during national celebrations.

Police Ask Nigerians to Report Suspicious Activity

The Nigeria Police Force urged citizens to remain alert and report suspicious movements or objects in public places.

The police specifically asked Nigerians to report:

Unattended bags, vehicles, or parcels

Suspicious persons around Eid prayer grounds or motor parks

Unusual gatherings suggesting criminal intent

Surveillance activities targeting security personnel or public facilities

“Do not ignore suspicious activity. Do not assume someone else has already reported it,” the statement added.

The Force said emergency response lines would remain available 24 hours throughout the celebration period.

Emergency Contacts Released

The police released the following emergency contact numbers for public use during the Eid celebration:

08057000001

08057000002

09133333785

09133333786

Industry and Public Perspective

Security observers say visible police deployments during festive periods can help reassure the public and deter criminal activity, particularly in densely populated cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Kano.

Transport operators and market associations also often experience increased movement during Eid celebrations, leading to calls for improved traffic management and public safety coordination.

Religious leaders have meanwhile urged Nigerians to use the occasion to promote tolerance, charity, and national unity.

What’s Next

Security operations are expected to continue throughout the Eid holiday period, with authorities monitoring major highways, worship centres, and recreational locations nationwide.

The Nigeria Police Force said it remains committed to protecting lives and property during and after the celebrations.

Three suspected kidnappers have been killed and an abducted man rescued during a joint security operation in Otu, a community in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State, according to the state police command.

The operation, carried out on Sunday, involved police operatives, local hunters, and other security agencies following reports of armed kidnappers operating in the area.

Police said the rescued victim, identified as 50-year-old Mosudi Gbolagade, had earlier been abducted in Okaka before being held captive in Otu.

How the operation unfolded

According to the Oyo State Police Command, the incident began after local hunters on a hunting expedition reportedly came under gunfire attack from suspected kidnappers on 25 May 2026.

No casualties were recorded among the hunters during the initial attack.

Police spokesperson DSP Ayanlade Olayinka said security teams were immediately mobilised after the distress call.

“Upon arrival, the hoodlums opened fire and engaged the security team in a gun duel,” the statement said.

“Through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralization of three suspected kidnappers.”

Victim rescued with injuries

Authorities said Mr Gbolagade sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and was taken for urgent medical treatment.

Police did not disclose the extent of his injuries but confirmed he was receiving medical care.

One local hunter was also injured during the exchange of gunfire and was transported to hospital.

Weapons recovered

Security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle without ammunition, a single-barrel gun, and a machete from the scene.

Police said the recovered weapons highlighted what they described as the “violent intent” of the suspects.

Why it matters

Kidnapping and armed attacks have remained major security concerns across parts of Nigeria, including communities in the South-West region.

The Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State, which shares boundaries with neighbouring states and forest corridors, has in recent years faced increasing security pressure linked to abduction, armed robbery, and rural banditry.

Security analysts say collaboration between formal security agencies and local vigilante groups has become more common in rural communities where difficult terrain can slow emergency response.

Police commend local hunters

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State praised the role played by local hunters and other security stakeholders in the operation.

“The Command therefore reiterates its unwavering commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements across the state,” the police statement added.

Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and share credible information with security agencies.

Public safety concerns continue

Community leaders and residents in parts of Oke-Ogun have repeatedly called for stronger security presence in remote areas vulnerable to criminal gangs.

Experts say intelligence-sharing between residents and security agencies remains critical in tackling kidnapping networks operating in forested regions.

Analysts also note that improving surveillance, rural policing, and rapid-response coordination could help reduce attacks on travellers and farming communities.

The Ogun State Police Command has announced heightened security operations across the state ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, promising residents a peaceful and safe festive period.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said officers and operational assets had been deployed to key locations, including Eid prayer grounds, highways, markets, recreational centres, motor parks and residential areas.

Police authorities said the move is aimed at improving visible policing, strengthening crowd control and ensuring rapid responses to potential security threats before, during and after the Muslim festival.

Why the security deployment matters

Eid-el-Kabir, one of the most significant festivals in Islam, typically attracts large gatherings across prayer grounds, roads and public venues in Nigeria.

Security experts say festive periods often require increased surveillance because of higher traffic volumes, crowded public spaces and the potential for criminal activity.

The Ogun State Police Command said tactical units, divisional police officers and area commanders had been placed on high alert as part of the operation.

According to the statement, police officers have also been directed to intensify patrols and carry out stop-and-search operations where necessary.

“The deployment is aimed at ensuring visible policing, effective crowd control, early threat detection, and swift response to any emerging security concerns,” the statement said.

Collaboration with communities

Police authorities said they would work closely with community leaders, transport unions and local stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering and prevent any breakdown of law and order.

Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to nearby police stations or through the command’s emergency lines.

The command appealed to parents and guardians to monitor the activities of children and young people during the celebrations.

Officials also warned against thuggery, cult-related violence, reckless driving and other forms of disorderly behaviour.

Public reaction and wider concerns

Security analysts say proactive deployments during major religious celebrations have become increasingly important across Nigeria amid concerns over highway crimes, cult clashes and public disturbances in some urban centres.

Many residents travelling during Eid are expected to use major routes connecting Abeokuta, Lagos and neighbouring states, increasing pressure on law enforcement agencies to maintain order and traffic control.

Community groups in Ogun State have repeatedly called for stronger police visibility during festive periods, especially around transport hubs and crowded markets.

Police emergency contacts released

The command encouraged residents to use its emergency communication channels in cases requiring urgent attention.

Emergency contacts released by the police include:

Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111

0906 283 7609

0912 014 1706

0915 102 7369

0708 497 2994

What’s next?

Security operations are expected to continue throughout the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, with officers maintaining surveillance in strategic areas across Ogun State.

Authorities say additional tactical responses may be activated if intelligence reports indicate emerging threats during the holiday period.