Troops Placed on Nationwide Alert as DHQ Vows Tight Security for Easter

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has placed troops on high alert across the country ahead of the Easter celebrations, assuring Nigerians of robust security measures during the festive period.

The military high command also reaffirmed that ongoing support from the United States is bolstering counter-terrorism operations, with visible impacts expected in the coming weeks.

Speaking at the end-of-month media briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, assured citizens that the armed forces would maintain heightened vigilance throughout the Easter holidays.

General Onoja stated that personnel had been placed on alert nationwide to prevent any security breaches, adding that similar measures were successfully implemented during previous festivities, including Christmas and Eid-el-Fitr.

“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.

He emphasized that security agencies would not lower their guard despite the celebrations, noting that adversaries often seek 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.

US Collaboration and Expected Impact

Addressing the ongoing collaboration with United States forces, General Onoja explained that while the impact may not be immediately visible due to the nature of military engagements, significant benefits are anticipated in the coming weeks and months.

He described the US support particularly in intelligence sharing and training as substantial, noting that the assistance was being provided on favorable terms to strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.

“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 said.

The intelligence being provided, he added, includes information on the location of threats and hostile elements, which Nigerian troops will act upon accordingly.

“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.

On February 16, 2026, the DHQ confirmed the arrival of approximately 100 US military personnel and equipment at Bauchi Airfield. The military high command clarified that the personnel are non-combat troops deployed strictly for technical assistance, training, and advisory roles in counter-terrorism operations.