Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has placed troops on nationwide alert ahead of the Easter celebrations, assuring citizens of enhanced security across the country.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Maj Gen Michael Onoja, the director of defence media operations during an end-of-month briefing with journalists in Abuja.
According to him, the armed forces have activated heightened vigilance to forestall any security breaches during the festive period.
“We know that festive seasons usually have heightened security activities. The military command gives instructions to ensure all personnel are on alert. This time will not be different,” he said.
Onoja stressed that security agencies would remain fully operational, noting that criminal elements often attempt to exploit such periods.
“I can assure you that we will always be on alert, particularly at this period of festivities, because we know that the threats expect us to relax.
“But we are not going to relax. Everything will be okay for this Easter,” he added.
He also confirmed that ongoing collaboration with the United States is strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, particularly in intelligence gathering and training.
“You are aware that they are bringing intelligence and training support to us, which we need. They are giving that to us on very favourable terms. There are lots of things I cannot say because of confidentiality,” Onoja stated.
He explained that the impact of such military cooperation may not be immediate due to the nature of operations, but expressed confidence that results would become evident in the coming weeks.
“All we can say is that these things take time. There is a gestation period when we are conducting military operations.
“You will not see it immediately, but in the next few months or weeks, you will feel the difference in the impact of the assistance that the U.S. is providing,” he said.
The DHQ had earlier confirmed the deployment of about 100 United States military personnel to Nigeria in February, strictly for technical support, training and advisory roles in ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
Despite the collaboration, concerns persist over rising insecurity in parts of the country, with expectations that the renewed efforts will yield improved security outcomes.