Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
BENIN CITY, Nigeria – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed 1,542 personnel across Edo State ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration to strengthen security and prevent criminal activities during the festive period.
State Commandant Saidi Akintayo announced the deployment on Friday in Benin City, saying the operation follows directives from Commandant General Ahmed Audi to ensure a peaceful celebration across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Akintayo says officers drawn from tactical, counterterrorism, intelligence, armed squad, agro rangers and operations units have been stationed at Eid prayer grounds, markets, highways, motor parks, worship centres and other sensitive locations.
He says area commanders and divisional officers have also been directed to intensify surveillance, routine patrols and intelligence gathering before, during and after the celebrations.
“We are fully prepared to protect lives and property throughout the Eid-el-Kabir festivities,” Akintayo says. “Anyone planning to disrupt public peace will face decisive action.”
The commandant urges residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.
He also commends Monday Okpebholo for supporting security operations in the state, noting that collaboration among security agencies has improved operational efficiency.
Akintayo further calls on Muslim faithful to embrace the values of sacrifice, peace, tolerance and unity associated with Eid-el-Kabir.
The 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration is scheduled for May 27, according to Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
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