Muslims across Nigeria joined millions worldwide to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, bringing an end to the holy month of Ramadan with prayers, reflection, and communal gatherings.
In major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Maiduguri, thousands of worshippers assembled early at designated Eid grounds.
The faithful observed special congregational prayers, filling open spaces and mosques in a show of devotion and unity.
Religious leaders, addressing worshippers during sermons, urged Nigerians to sustain the values cultivated during Ramadan.
They emphasised peace, compassion, and collective responsibility, calling on both leaders and citizens to prioritise national unity and support efforts toward economic recovery.
President Bola Tinubu, in his Eid message, encouraged Muslims to uphold the spiritual lessons of Ramadan. He highlighted virtues such as piety, empathy, perseverance, and kindness, urging that they should extend beyond the fasting period into everyday life.
“We must continue to reflect the spirit of sacrifice and compassion that Ramadan teaches,” the president stated, stressing the importance of unity at a critical time for the nation.
Tinubu returned to the country earlier in the day following a brief official visit to the United Kingdom. He later joined other worshippers to observe Eid prayers at the Dodan Barracks prayer ground in Lagos.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also echoed similar sentiments, calling for stronger unity among Nigerians.
Speaking after prayers in Maiduguri, he noted that the bonds holding the country together are stronger than its divisions.
Shettima further observed that the Ramadan fast coincided with the Christian Lenten season, describing it as a period that underscores shared values and the need for harmony among citizens of different faiths.
Meanwhile, security was tightened nationwide to ensure a peaceful celebration.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, directed the deployment of tactical units, intelligence officers, and regular personnel across the country.
Security operatives maintained a visible presence at Eid grounds, highways, motor parks, and recreational centres.
They also intensified patrols, surveillance, and stop-and-search operations aimed at preventing crime and ensuring rapid response to any emerging threats.
Across several locations, scenes captured large gatherings of worshippers in prayer, heavy traffic as residents travelled to Eid grounds, and security personnel monitoring activities.
The celebrations reflected both the spiritual significance of the day and the scale of participation nationwide.
