Eid-el-Kabir: NSCDC deploys 782 personnel in Enugu

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has deployed no fewer than 782 personnel across Enugu State to ensure a peaceful, secure and hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The Civil Defense Public Relations Officer (CDPRO), DSC Pamela Chukwu, in a statement on Monday in Enugu, said that the deployment was approved by the NSCDC State Commandant, Dr Elijah Willie.

Chukwu said that the deployment covered strategic locations including: Eid prayer grounds, recreational centres, markets, motor parks, critical national assets, highways and other vulnerable points across the state.

"The operation involved officers and men drawn from departments and specialised units of the Corps, including Counter Terrorism Unit, Intelligence and Investigation Department, Armed Squad, Disaster Management Unit and Rapid Response Team.

"The deployed personnel have been strategically positioned to maintain law and order, prevent criminal activities, and provide adequate security before, during, and after the celebration.

"Intensive surveillance, routine patrols, and intelligence gathering are also being carried out in identified flashpoints and black spots to forestall any security breach," she said.

The state commandant also charged the officers to remain professional, civil and disciplined in the discharge of their duties.

The state NSCDC boss also urged personnel to work in synergy with other security agencies to ensure effective security coverage throughout the festive period.

He advised residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agency, adding: "Security remains a collective responsibility".

It would be recalled 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 (NSCIA).