Sallah: Police restrict tricycle movement in Borno, urge residents to pray near homes

As part of efforts to ensure a hitch-free Sallah celebration, the Borno State Police Command has restricted the movement of tricycles across the state from 6 am to 12 pm on Friday and urged residents to observe prayers at locations close to their homes.

The command also deployed operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit to strategically positioned locations across the state.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, said the operatives would be stationed at major gathering points to conduct thorough screening of persons and items entering designated venues.

The statement read, “The Borno State Police Command extends warm felicitations to the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

In furtherance of its constitutional mandate to protect lives and property, the command has emplaced a comprehensive security architecture to ensure a peaceful, safe, and hitch-free Eid celebration across the state.”

Daso said the restriction on tricycle (Keke NAPEP) movement would take effect from 6 am to 12 pm on March 20, 2026.

According to him, the directive is aimed at enhancing security coordination, easing crowd management, and preventing potential security threats.

Members of the public are enjoined to comply strictly,” he added.

He also advised worshippers to observe Eid prayers at designated grounds closest to their residences to minimise movement and avoid overcrowding.

To ensure effective security coverage, Daso said the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, had deployed personnel to Eid prayer grounds, markets, motor parks, and other vulnerable locations for crowd control, traffic management, and surveillance.

“In addition, operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit have been strategically positioned at major gathering points to conduct thorough screening of all persons and items entering designated venues, as part of proactive measures to forestall any untoward incidents,” he said.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, had directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and other operatives to intensify visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and patrols throughout the festive period while upholding professionalism and respect for human rights.

Daso urged residents to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly, and promptly report suspicious movements or objects.

He also advised parents and guardians to keep a close watch on their children, especially in crowded environments.

The command reassured residents of its commitment to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the festivities.

Recall that suspected suicide bombers recently detonated explosives at three locations in Maiduguri, including the Post Office, the Monday Market axis, and the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

Culled from punch