Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has directed troops across the country to step up vigilance ahead of the Easter celebrations, assuring citizens of strengthened security presence nationwide.
The military high command also reiterated that ongoing collaboration with the United States is reinforcing Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, with noticeable outcomes expected in the near future.
Speaking at the end-of-month media briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, said troops had already been placed on high alert to forestall any potential security threats during the festive period.
He noted that such proactive deployments are standard during major celebrations and have been consistently applied during previous holidays.
“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 remain fully mobilised, warning that criminal elements often attempt to exploit festive 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.
On international cooperation, the defence spokesman explained that Nigeria’s partnership with US forces continues to yield strategic benefits, particularly in intelligence gathering and capacity building, even if results are not immediately visible.
“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.”
He further disclosed that the intelligence support includes actionable data on the location of hostile elements, which Nigerian forces are already utilising in ongoing operations.
“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,” Onoja stated.
The update follows the Defence Headquarters’ earlier confirmation on February 16, 2026, that about 100 US military personnel and equipment had arrived at Bauchi Airfield to support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign in non-combat roles, including training and technical advisory.
