Sultan Declares Friday Eid-el-Fitr Day in Nigeria
The Sultanate Council in Sokoto has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the commencement of Eid-el-Fitr celebrations across Nigeria following the completion of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sambo Wali Junaidu, after moon sighting committees across the country reported the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent on Wednesday, which corresponded with the 29th day of Ramadan.
According to Islamic tradition, when the crescent moon is not sighted on the 29th day of Ramadan, the month is completed as 30 days, after which Eid-el-Fitr is observed the following day. This practice is rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and has been consistently followed by Muslim communities worldwide for over 1,400 years.
“No report was received from various Moon Sighting Committees across the country confirming the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal 1447AH on Wednesday, March 18, which corresponded with the 29th day of Ramadan,” the statement read. “Therefore, Thursday, 19th March 2026, is the 30th day of the month of Ramadan 1447AH.”
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, accepted the report and formally declared Friday as the day of Eid-el-Fitr.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, under the Sultan’s leadership, coordinates moon sighting efforts across Nigeria through an extensive network of committees positioned in strategic locations nationwide to ensure a unified announcement for the country’s Muslim population, estimated at over 90 million people according to demographic surveys.
The Islamic calendar, known as the Hijri calendar, is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months with each month beginning with the sighting of the new crescent moon. Unlike the Gregorian solar calendar, the Islamic calendar is approximately 11 days shorter, causing Islamic months and festivals to shift earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection and community, while Shawwal, the tenth month, begins with the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.
The determination of the beginning and end of Ramadan through moon sighting has been a central practice in Islamic jurisprudence since the time of the Prophet Muhammad, who instructed his followers to commence fasting upon sighting the crescent of Ramadan and to break the fast upon sighting the crescent of Shawwal. In Nigeria, this responsibility has historically been carried out by the Sultanate Council in Sokoto, which serves as the spiritual headquarters of Nigerian Muslims.
In his message to the Muslim Ummah, Sultan Abubakar urged continued prayers for national peace and development, expressing hope that the spiritual benefits of Ramadan would be sustained beyond the fasting period.
“His Eminence felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings,” the statement read, adding that the Sultan prayed that “Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds.”
In response to the announcement, the Federal Government declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr on Tuesday, enabling Muslims across the country to observe the religious festival and participate in communal prayers and festivities.
Ahead of the Friday celebration, security agencies across Nigeria have deployed tens of thousands of personnel to ensure peaceful and hitch-free festivities, with particular focus on Eid prayer grounds, worship centres, markets, motor parks and other public spaces expected to witness large gatherings.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps announced the deployment of over 53,500 personnel nationwide, representing one of the largest single security mobilizations for a religious festival in recent years.
The Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Abubakar Audi, in a statement by the corps spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, said the deployment included tactical operatives and intelligence squads strategically positioned across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Audi directed his personnel to address emerging threats and safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure during the festive period, tasking all provosts of colleges, zonal commanders and state commandants to ensure adequate security coverage within their jurisdictions.
“Identified flashpoints such as shopping malls, Eid prayer grounds, mosques, churches, motor parks, recreation centres and other public spaces are to be closely monitored and manned by both uniformed and undercover operatives to nip any criminal activity in the bud,” the statement read.
The statement emphasized the need for intensified routine patrols and sustained synergy with other security agencies through effective information sharing and swift response to emergencies reported by members of the public.
In Gombe State, the NSCDC Commandant, Jibrin Idris, said the deployment targeted Eid prayer grounds, Hawan Durbar venues, recreational centres, markets, motor parks and other public places, as well as critical national assets.
The Nigeria Police Force also announced massive deployments across the federation, with state commands rolling out comprehensive security arrangements tailored to local threat assessments and crowd management requirements.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 3, Yola, Adamawa State, Akinwale Adeniran, directed the commissioners of police in Taraba and Adamawa states to be proactive in implementing security measures.
“These measures include the deployment of both kinetic and non-kinetic assets, enhanced visibility policing, increased surveillance and strategic positioning of personnel at Eid grounds and other worship centres, recreational facilities, motor parks, markets and other public places,” Adeniran stated, urging residents to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the police and other security agencies.
In Niger State, the Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, deployed 5,000 personnel and directed them to comb black spots in the metropolis. In a statement by the command’s spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, Elleman also directed officers to mobilize operational assets, including anti-riot water cannons, gun trucks and patrol vehicles, to ensure effective policing.
“Following the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the Commissioner of Police has directed officers to deploy for intelligence-led policing and raid black spots within their areas of responsibility for a seamless and peaceful Sallah celebration,” the statement read.
The statement added that tactical teams including the Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, Tactical Support Team, Monitoring Unit, Crack Squad, Anti-Thuggery Unit and Anti-Kidnapping Unit had been deployed to all major Eid grounds and strategic public places. The commissioner warned that troublemakers would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
In Sokoto State, the police command announced through its spokesperson, Ahmad Rufa’i, that personnel had been strategically deployed to key locations, alongside visible policing to deter criminal activities.
“To reinforce security, the Commissioner has directed area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical commanders to intensify patrols and scale up intelligence-led operations across the state,” the statement read, noting that the command was working closely with other security agencies, community leaders and stakeholders to maintain law and order throughout the celebration.
The Gombe State Police Command announced robust security arrangements and issued a public advisory to residents.
“We have put in place comprehensive security arrangements and strategic deployment of personnel and operational assets across the state to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration,” the Commissioner of Police, Umar Chuso, stated. The command urged motorists and motorcyclists to obey traffic regulations and called on parents and guardians to monitor their wards during the festive period.
The Kaduna State Police Command also announced the deployment of personnel across the state to cover major public spaces, including Eid grounds, markets, highways and recreational centres.
“The command has deployed tactical commanders, intelligence operatives and other personnel to all nooks and crannies of the state,” the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said. The command reiterated a ban on the use of knockouts, fireworks and similar explosives during the festivities, warning that violators would be arrested and prosecuted.
In Kano State, the police command said it had put in place robust security arrangements in collaboration with other agencies to ensure a hitch-free celebration. The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, warned that unlawful and disorderly behaviour would not be tolerated.
“Parents and guardians should warn their children against being used by subversive elements, as anyone found disturbing public peace will be prosecuted,” Bakori stated.
The Kebbi State Police Command said personnel had been strategically deployed, with intensified patrols and surveillance operations already underway. The command also cautioned drivers against reckless driving, speeding and other traffic violations associated with festive periods.
In Katsina State, the police command announced heightened security measures, including restrictions on the use of dangerous weapons during Sallah Durbar activities.
“In collaboration with the Durbar organising committee, the command has banned ‘Yan Tauri’ from participating in the Sallah Durbar, and this applies to any individual or group bearing dangerous weapons such as knives, clubs and swords,” the statement read. The command warned that it would not hesitate to take stern action against anyone found flouting the law.
“The public is urged to be vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities. We assure residents of our commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring a safe and secure Eid celebration,” the statement added.
The Edo State Police Command deployed 5,000 personnel for the festivities. In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the deployment was to ensure a peaceful and secure atmosphere across the state, cutting across Eid prayer grounds, major roads, motor parks and other locations expected to witness large gatherings.
“A total of 5,000 police personnel have been deployed to enhance police visibility, dominate public spaces and respond promptly to any emerging situation,” the statement read.
Ikoedem noted that Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel had been strategically positioned and were already carrying out sweeps of designated prayer grounds and high-traffic areas to detect and neutralize any potential threats, with preventive checks continuing throughout the celebration period.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, also directed sustained patrols and intelligence-driven operations, with particular attention to entry and exit routes into the state.
The Adamawa State Police Command said it had put in place comprehensive security measures to ensure peaceful, safe and hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr celebrations. In a statement signed by its spokesman, SP Suleiman Nguroje, the command said it had deployed a robust combination of operational and manpower assets.
“In collaboration with sister security agencies and other friendly forces, the command has deployed personnel from the 14 PMF, 65 PMF, Counter Terrorism Unit Base, State Intelligence Department, Area Commands, Divisional police headquarters, Explosive Ordnance Disposal/CBRN Unit, as well as other tactical and conventional formations within the Command to ensure coordinated and effective security coverage across the State,” the statement read.
The command also intensified visible policing and confidence-building patrols across urban and rural communities, with stop-and-search operations along entry and exit routes to the state.
In Ogun State, the police command deployed operatives to provide water-tight security across highways, markets, praying grounds and other critical public infrastructure. The spokesperson of the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said in a statement that the command placed high priority on the protection of worship centres, critical infrastructure and the safety of all residents before, during and after the festive period.
“In line with this proactive approach, the command has deployed personnel and operational assets in advance to strategic locations across the state,” the statement read.
The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, reassured residents of the command’s firm commitment to maintaining law and order and safeguarding lives and property across the state.
The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, urged parents to caution their children against unlawful gatherings, especially during the celebrations. In a statement obtained in Osogbo on Wednesday, Gotan said the command was ready to move against any act capable of disrupting public peace during the celebrations.
Gotan, who said the command had made adequate preparation to protect the lives and properties of residents during and after the celebrations, said personnel had been deployed to strategic places across the state to ensure a hitch-free festival.
“Religious and community leaders are encouraged to continue to preach messages of harmony, mutual respect and lawful conduct even after Ramadan. Furthermore, the command urges all road users and motorists to obey all traffic rules and regulations,” Gotan stated.
The nationwide security deployments reflect heightened vigilance by Nigerian authorities during religious festivals, particularly following security challenges in recent years. Large public gatherings during religious celebrations have historically presented potential targets for criminal elements, necessitating robust security arrangements to protect worshippers and maintain public order.
Security experts have noted that festivals such as Eid-el-Fitr, which attract millions of Nigerians to prayer grounds, recreation centres and public spaces, require coordinated multi-agency responses to address threats ranging from petty crimes such as pickpocketing and phone snatching to more serious security concerns including potential terrorist activities and crowd control challenges.
The deployment of Explosive Ordnance Disposal units to prayer grounds and high-traffic areas reflects lessons learned from previous security incidents and represents a proactive approach to threat mitigation during large-scale public gatherings.
Eid-el-Fitr, which translates to “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of the two major Islamic festivals celebrated annually, alongside Eid-el-Adha. The celebration marks the conclusion of Ramadan and is characterized by communal prayers, charitable giving, family gatherings and festive meals. In Nigeria, where Muslims constitute a significant portion of the population, Eid-el-Fitr is a national public holiday observed across all states regardless of religious composition, reflecting the country’s commitment to religious tolerance and national cohesion.
The festival typically begins with special morning prayers at designated Eid grounds or mosques, followed by sermons, supplications and celebrations that often extend throughout the day. Traditional practices during Eid include the payment of Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity distributed to the poor before the Eid prayer, ensuring that all Muslims can participate in the celebrations regardless of economic circumstances.
In northern Nigeria, Eid celebrations often include colorful Durbar processions featuring horsemen in traditional regalia, a cultural practice that dates back centuries and has become an integral part of the festival’s observance in states such as Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Kaduna.