NSCDC has deployed 1,542 personnel across Edo State to strengthen security and protect residents during the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
As Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intensified security operations by deploying 1,542 personnel across the state.
The security deployment is aimed at ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free celebration in all parts of Edo State during the festive period.
The Eid-el-Kabir celebration is expected to hold on May 27 following the announcement by Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
Speaking during a press briefing in Benin City on Friday, the Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Saidi Akintayo, said the operation followed directives issued by the Commandant-General of the corps, Ahmed Audi.
According to Akintayo, the command has placed officers in strategic locations across the three senatorial districts to strengthen Eid-el-Kabir security and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
He explained that personnel involved in the operation were drawn from different specialised units of the corps, including the tactical squad, armed unit, counter-terrorism department, intelligence and investigation unit, agro rangers and operations department.
The NSCDC Edo Command said officers would monitor Eid prayer grounds, highways, markets, worship centres, recreational facilities, motor parks and other crowded public areas during the celebration.
Akintayo noted that security patrols and surveillance activities had already been intensified ahead of the Muslim festival.
He added that divisional officers and area commanders were instructed to increase intelligence gathering within their communities to detect suspicious activities early.
The commandant warned criminal elements against attempting to disrupt the peace of the state during the festive period.
He stressed that the corps was fully prepared to respond to any security threat capable of causing panic or endangering residents.
“We are determined to ensure residents celebrate in a safe environment. Anyone planning to cause trouble should stay away from Edo State,” he said.
The NSCDC deployment comes at a time when security agencies across the country are strengthening operations ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration due to increased movement of people during the holiday period.
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In Benin City and other parts of Edo State, many residents expressed confidence in the visible security presence introduced by the NSCDC Edo Command.
Some residents said the patrol teams and increased monitoring would help discourage criminal activities during the celebrations.
Akintayo also appealed to residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and unusual activities within their communities.
According to him, timely information from members of the public remains important in preventing crime and maintaining peace.
He commended Monday Okpebholo for supporting security agencies in the state. The commandant said the support provided by the state government had improved operational effectiveness and boosted the morale of officers.
The NSCDC boss further praised the cooperation among security agencies operating in Edo State, describing inter-agency collaboration as one of the key factors helping to maintain stability across the state.
Security experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of proactive security measures during festive periods, especially during major religious celebrations that attract large gatherings.
The Eid-el-Kabir celebration, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar.
The celebration usually attracts heavy movement across cities, worship centres and public spaces, making security monitoring necessary.
Akintayo urged Muslim faithful to celebrate responsibly and continue promoting peace, tolerance, unity and love during the festive season.
He encouraged residents to use the period to strengthen peaceful coexistence among different communities.
With the latest Eid-el-Kabir security operation, authorities say they remain committed to protecting lives and property while ensuring residents enjoy a peaceful celebration across Edo State.
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