The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, 2026 as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid al-Adha celebration.
The announcement was contained in a press statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani on Monday, May 25, 2026.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, conveyed the approval on behalf of the government, the statement said.
The statement read: “The Federal Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has declared Wednesday, 27th May and Thursday, 28th May, 2026 as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid ul Adha. The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced this.
“This declaration underscores the Federal Government’s deep respect for the faith and spiritual heritage of millions of Nigerian Muslims who join the global Islamic community in observing this sacred occasion.
“The Minister sends the warm felicitations of the Federal Government to all Muslim faithful in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. Eid ul Adha is a festival of great spiritual significance based on the values of sacrifice, obedience to God and compassion for one’s fellow men.
“The Federal Government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayers and sober reflection to seek divine direction for the nation as it pursues its search for peace, security and prosperity for all citizens.
“The Federal Government wishes all Muslims a peaceful, blessed and joyous celebration in the spirit of brotherhood, shared humanity and national unity,” the statement concluded.
NSCDC deploys 4,000 personnel in FCT, warns criminals
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has deployed 4,000 personnel in and around Abuja to beef up security ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The deployment, which is at the instance of the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, is to ensure the protection of lives, property and Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) before, during and after the festive period.
In a statement in Abuja on Monday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Monica Ojobi, said that the officers involved in the operation are drawn from specialised units such as the Arms Squad, Female Strike Force, Crack Squad and Agro Rangers, who are strategically positioned across the capital territory.
The statement said the security mobilisation was to forestall criminalities and possible disruptions during the Sallah celebrations, especially in high-density public spaces and vulnerable locations.
The Corps also revealed that undercover operatives of its Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Unit have been deployed to conduct covert sweeps across the FCT to detect and neutralise any threat involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
“Security coverage has been extended to mosques, Eid prayer grounds, shopping malls, markets, motor parks, recreational centres, amusement parks and other places of critical infrastructure.
The Command also observed that surveillance has been stepped up in identified black spots which include uncompleted buildings and other criminal hideouts.
In his statement, Dr Odumosu directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to work more collaboratively with other security agencies to ensure seamless operations and prevent any security breaches during the celebrations.
He also warned personnel against misconduct, including strict adherence to rules of engagement, and cautioned against harassment and intimidation of civilians and accidental discharge of firearms.
“I will not tolerate any breach of security as usual. All hands on deck. In a wholesome way, make sure your personnel comply.”
The NSCDC appealed to residents of the FCT to be vigilant, report suspicious movements and cooperate with security agencies during the festive period.
It also warned against the use of unregistered vehicles or commercial vehicles with tinted glasses without proper identification, warning against roadside pickups to avoid falling victim to “one chance” robbery syndicates and kidnappers.
Wishing the Muslim faithful a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the Commandant assured residents of maximum security coverage across the territory, noting that covert operatives and patrol teams have been deployed across strategic locations.
“We are prepared to secure a peaceful celebration. “It is the responsibility of the residents to be alert and proactive and to work with security agencies for our collective safety,” he said.
Dr. Odumosu equally warned criminals and vandals from attacking Critical National Assets and Infrastructure as NSCDC operatives are fully deployed and ready to enforce the law without any hesitation.
Hon. Dr. Philip “Okanga” Agbese, a transformative leader in Enone. Discover his achievements, community projects, and vision for 2027
