Military Assures Nigerians of Enhanced Security During Easter

By Abah Margaret

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has assured Nigerians of improved security across the country, particularly during the Easter celebrations, as collaboration with the United States military begins to strengthen ongoing operations.

The assurance follows the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and equipment at the Bauchi Airfield on February 16, 2026. According to the military high command, the foreign personnel are in Nigeria strictly for technical assistance, training, and advisory roles in counter-terrorism operations, and not for combat duties.

Despite concerns over rising insecurity in parts of the country since their deployment, the DHQ maintained that the partnership is already yielding strategic benefits, especially in intelligence gathering and personnel training.

Speaking during the military’s end-of-the-month briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Micheal Onoja, described the support from the United States as significant and beneficial to Nigeria’s counter-threat operations.

He explained that while the impact of such collaboration may not be immediately visible, Nigerians should expect noticeable improvements in the coming weeks and months.

“You are aware that they are providing intelligence and training support, which we need. These are being delivered on very favourable terms. There are several details I cannot disclose due to confidentiality,” Onoja said.

He further revealed that the intelligence support includes actionable information on the location and activities of hostile elements, which Nigerian troops are already working with to enhance operations nationwide.

“All we can say is that these things take time. There is a gestation period in military operations. The results may not be immediate, but in the coming weeks and months, Nigerians will begin to see and feel the impact of the assistance from the U.S.,” he added.

On preparations for Easter, the DHQ assured citizens that troops have been placed on high alert across the country to prevent any security breaches during the festive period.

Onoja noted that the military has consistently adopted similar proactive measures during festive seasons such as Christmas and Easter, and this year will be no exception.

“We understand that festive periods often come with increased security concerns. The military has issued clear directives to ensure all personnel remain vigilant. This Easter will not be different,” he stated.

He also emphasised that security agencies would remain fully alert throughout the celebrations, warning that criminal elements often attempt to exploit such periods.

“I can assure Nigerians that we will not relax, especially during this festive season. We are aware that threats tend to take advantage of such periods, but we are fully prepared. Nigerians should go about their celebrations peacefully, as adequate measures are in place to ensure their safety,” Onoja said.