FESTIVE PERIOD ADVISORY (Eid al-Adha)

EVENT

Eid al-Adha (The Feast of Sacrifice) is the biggest of the two major holidays celebrated in Islam. The feast marks the end of hajj (pilgrimage) rites at Mina, Saudi Arabia, near Mecca, and is celebrated by Muslims globally. Muslims in Nigeria will observe Eid al-Adha on the 9th and 10th of July. And the Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Monday, July 11,2022, and Tuesday, July 12, 2022, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration. Public Offices and business spaces are expected to be closed during this period.

ASSESSMENT

The country’s security threat headlines are majorly made up of violent attacks attributed to terrorist groups like ISWAP and Boko Haram. Notedly, on June 5, 2022, the Nigerian government 'claimed' suspected ISWAP operatives fired indiscriminately at worshippers during a church service in the Owaluwa area in Owo LGA, Ondo State. At least 40 people were killed, and an unspecified number of people were injured. On Tuesday, July 6 2022, suspected terrorists attacked the advance convoy deployed ahead of President Buhari’s trip to Daura, Katsina State for the festive period. Further, Gunmen suspected to be terrorists during the late hours of 6 July 2022 attacked a prison facility in Kuje, Abuja, releasing several inmates. The escape of hardened criminals may increase the risk factors for travelers and remote communities with low-security deployment during this festive period. This is in addition to the increased exposure to road traffic accidents, as an increased number of road users are likely within the period.

Significantly, Eid celebrations in the past 3 years have been without major threat events, regardless there is a possibility that terror groups could target Eid prayer grounds during this period. ISWAP recently increased their terror attacks, following what they termed a revenge campaign for their leaders killed in the North East. It is also important to note that in 2015 Boko Haram, now fictionalized, claimed responsibility for a bomb blast at an Eid prayer ground in Damaturu, Yobe State.

ADVISORY

- Reconsider travel to high-risk areas

- HNIs are strongly advised to maintain a drilled travel security posture at all times

- Take active steps to improve physical security provisions around your home, working with your near-neighbours to create a protective bubble

- Inter-state travel should be undertaken when the roads are busiest, local conditions permitting. Preferable 0800hrs-1600hrs

- Where possible, avoid large gatherings in known areas with attributed violence

- In the event of a flash conflict or civil unrest, safely leave the area

- Maintain keen vigilance for suspicious movements around prayer grounds

- Adhere to directives by authorities in your locality

- Most interstate roads are expected to be busy during this period, travelers are advised to drive with caution and plan additional travel time into their itinerary

- If you are not observing the festivity, avoid inconsiderate and sensitive discussions around religion

- Late-night travel is highly discouraged

- Share with close family your travel detail

Lastly, Nigeria's first case of Monkey-pox has been reported in katsina. While most parts of the world have resolved to live with COVID-19, please enjoy the festive period responsibly. Please contact your security focal person for more advice or send an inquiry to [email protected].