The Sultanate Council in Sokoto has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr across Nigeria.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in a statement by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sambo Wali Junaidu.
The decision followed the non-sighting of the crescent moon on the 29th day of Ramadan. In line with Islamic tradition, when the new moon is not sighted, Ramadan is completed as 30 days, with Eid-el-Fitr observed the following day.
According to the statement, no reports were received from moon-sighting committees across the country confirming the sighting of the Shawwal moon on Wednesday, March 18.
“Therefore, Thursday, March 19, 2026, is the 30th day of Ramadan 1447AH,” the statement said.
It added that the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, had accepted the report and accordingly declared Friday, March 20, as Eid-el-Fitr.
The Sultan congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan and urged them to continue praying for peace, unity, and national development. He also expressed hope that the spiritual lessons of the holy month would be sustained beyond the fasting period.
Tight security nationwide
Ahead of the celebrations, security agencies have deployed thousands of personnel across the country to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Eid.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it had deployed over 53,500 personnel nationwide. Commandant-General Abubakar Audi directed operatives to secure critical locations, including Eid prayer grounds, mosques, churches, markets, motor parks, and recreational centres.
He also ordered intensified patrols, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with other security agencies to prevent crime during the festive period.
Similarly, the Nigeria Police Force announced extensive deployments across states, focusing on visibility policing, surveillance, and protection of public spaces.
In several states, including Niger, Edo, Kaduna, Kano, and Adamawa, thousands of officers and tactical units have been mobilised to secure major gathering points, highways, and identified flashpoints.
Police authorities also warned against criminal activities often associated with festivities, such as pickpocketing, phone snatching, reckless driving, and the use of fireworks and dangerous weapons.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant, comply with traffic regulations, and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The Federal Government had earlier declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
