In preparation for the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, has announced the deployment of 1,542 personnel across the state to ensure a secure and peaceful holiday for residents.
The announcement was made by the Commandant of the corps in the state, Mr. Saidi Akintayo, during a press conference held in Benin City on Friday.
The deployment is in direct response to the directive issued by the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, with the goal of fostering a safe and hitch-free celebration throughout Edo State’s three senatorial districts.
Commandant Akintayo elaborated that the deployed personnel consist of officers drawn from various specialized units, including the tactical team, counter-terrorism unit, intelligence and investigation department, armed squad, agro rangers, and the operations department.
“Our personnel have been strategically positioned at key locations, including Eid prayer grounds, marketplaces, recreational centers, major highways, motor parks, worship centers, and other potentially vulnerable areas,” Akintayo stated.
“This strategic deployment will ensure adequate security coverage before, during, and after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.”
Area commanders, divisional officers, and heads of formations have been instructed to ramp up patrols, surveillance, and intelligence gathering efforts to proactively prevent any disruptions to law and order during the festive period.
Akintayo issued a stern warning to criminal elements, advising them to stay away from Edo State. He emphasized the command’s readiness to decisively address any individuals or groups attempting to threaten the public peace. “We will not tolerate any actions that could jeopardize the peace and security currently enjoyed in the state,” he asserted.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information regarding suspicious movements and activities within their respective communities.
Commandant Akintayo expressed his gratitude to the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, for his unwavering support of security agencies in the state. He acknowledged that the governor’s support has significantly enhanced the operational effectiveness of the NSCDC in Edo State. He also lauded the existing collaboration among various security agencies in the state, emphasizing its critical role in maintaining law and order.
Furthermore, Akintayo called upon the Muslim community to embody the core values associated with Eid-el-Kabir, such as sacrifice, peace, tolerance, unity, and love.
Eid-el-Kabir, a significant festival in the Islamic calendar, is observed on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, a mandatory act of worship for Muslims who are physically and financially capable.
The festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) devotion to Allah and his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail (Ishmael), a test of faith. Muslims commemorate this act of devotion by sacrificing an animal, symbolizing their obedience to Allah.
The 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration is scheduled to take place on May 27th, as announced by Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
