The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Edo State Command, has deployed 1,542 personnel across the state to ensure adequate security during the when is 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The Commandant of the corps in the state, Mr Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this during a news conference on Friday in Benin.
Akintayo said the deployment was in line with the directive of the Commandant General of the corps, Ahmed Audi.
This, the commandant said, aimed at ensuring peaceful, safe and hitch-free celebration across the three senatorial districts of the state.
He said the deployed personnel were drawn from the tactical team, counter-terrorism unit, intelligence and investigation department, armed squad, agro rangers, operations department and other specialised units.
“Our personnel have been strategically positioned at Eid prayer grounds, marketplaces, recreational centres, highways, motor parks, worship centres and other vulnerable locations to provide adequate security before, during and after the celebration,” he said.
The commandant said area commanders, divisional officers and heads of formations had been directed to intensify patrols, surveillance and intelligence gathering to prevent any breakdown of law and order during the festive period.
Akintayo warned criminal elements to stay away from Edo, stressing that the command was prepared to deal decisively with anyone threatening public peace.
“We will not tolerate any act capable of threatening the peace and security currently enjoyed in the state,” he said.
He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information on suspicious movements and activities within their communities.
Akintayo commended Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo for supporting security agencies in the state, saying the support and encouragement had enhanced operational effectiveness of the command.
The commandant also praised the collaboration among security agencies, describing it as critical to maintaining law and order across Edo.
He urged Muslims to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, peace, tolerance, unity and love associated with Eid-el-Kabir.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Eid-el-Kabir is a Muslim festival commemorated on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
It marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which is an obligatory act of worship for every Muslim who has the means and health to undertake it.
The festival symbolises devotion and obedience to Allah, drawing its roots from the Qur’anic narrative of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who demonstrated his unwavering faith by obeying Allah’s command to sacrifice his son, Ismail (Ishmael).
In recognition of his commitment, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram at the last moment. On that day, therefore, Muslims the world over demonstrate their obedience to Allah by sacrificing an animal.
The 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration will take place on May 27, as declared by Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III,
the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.