The Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, has raised an urgent alarm regarding a heightened threat of suicide bombing attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP elements as Ramadan draws to a close.
In a security advisory issued by Media Information Officer Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the military warned that terrorist groups are actively seeking to exploit the final days of the holy month to maximize civilian casualties.
This alert follows intelligence indicating that insurgents are pivoting toward more frequent suicide missions to create panic and gain propaganda leverage during this period of high religious significance.
Military authorities identified the recent tragic explosions at Maiduguri’s Monday Market, the Post Office area, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital as clear indicators of this shifting threat.
Historical data shows that terror cells frequently escalate their use of suicide bombers around the 27th and 29th days of Ramadan, specifically targeting the surge of human traffic at mosques, shopping hubs, and transport terminals.
The alarm underscores a persistent intent by these groups to infiltrate densely populated civilian zones to carry out high-impact strikes.
In light of these developments, the Joint Task Force has directed residents across the North East to maintain an extreme level of security consciousness.
Worshippers participating in night prayers, such as Taraweeh and Tahajjud, are urged to be wary of individuals attempting to evade security screenings or loitering suspiciously near crowded entrances.
The advisory stresses that reporting unattended bags and maintaining situational awareness are now critical for survival in public spaces, as the risk of IED-related attacks remains elevated.
To counter this potential rise in suicide missions, security agencies have shifted to a state of heightened operational readiness, increasing surveillance and protective patrols around major population centers.
While Lieutenant Colonel Uba confirmed that the military is working to safeguard the upcoming Eid celebrations, he emphasized that community vigilance is the most effective defense against suicide attackers.
Parents, religious leaders, and transport unions have been called upon to play a proactive role in monitoring their environments and ensuring that any unusual behavior is reported to security formations without delay.