Nigerian Muslims today joined their counterparts worldwide to mark Eid-el-Fitri, which signifies the end of Ramadan.

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, last night declared the end of the month-long fast and announced today, March 30, 2025 as equivalent to 1 Day of SHAWWAL 1446AH and Eid-el-Fitri day.

The Sultan, who is the president-general of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said the decision followed the report of National Moon Sighting Committees across the country confirming sighting of the new moon in several places across Nigeria.

The Sultan felicitated with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wished them Allah’s guidance and blessings.

He also urged Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country, wished all Muslims well during and after the celebration.

He further enjoined Muslims to continue to pray for our leaders.

Ahead of the celebration, security was beefed up by the Police, the Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps (NSCDC) and sister agencies across the country to enable Muslims observe a hitch-free Eid-el-Fitri.

Also yesterday, Saudi Arabia confirmed the sighting of the new moon to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan and start of the next Islamic month of Shawwal.

With the new moon sighting, celebration of the Eid-el-Fitri will hold today, being the first date of Shawwal.

The moon sighting was officially reported on the Haramain Sharifain X platform.

Around 10 observatories were involved in the sighting of Shawwal moon in Saudi Arabia, according to Haramain Info, an official social media handle of the country’s religious authority.

Before the official announcement, the website pointed out that experts in Saudi Arabia were divided on the expected sighting of the Shawwal crescent.

While five recognised astronomical experts predicted the likely Eid al-Fitr date as Sunday, four others expected it to be observed on Monday.

Ramadan began in most parts of the world on March 1, after sighting the new moon.

Meanwhile, Muslims thronged major motor parks across the country yesterday, home-bound for the Sallah celebration.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) also deployed its men and officers on the highways to ensure smooth motoring during the celebration.

To ensure a peaceful Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the Kaduna State Police Command yesterday intensified security deployment across the state.

The command’s spokesperson DSP Mansir Hassan, in a statement he issued on behalf of the commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, directed all area commanders, divisional police officers (DPOs) and Tactical Units to strengthen patrols, surveillance and intelligence gathering in all parts of the state.

The measures, he said, are aimed at preventing any potential security threats and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors before, during and after the festive period.

The commissioner urged the residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with the police by reporting any suspicious activities through the command’s emergency lines: 0703967 5856, 08075391105.

In Kano State, the NSCDC command has deployed 3,256 personnel across the state to ensure a smooth Sallah festivity.

The spokesperson of the command, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said personnel would be mobilised around Eid praying grounds, recreational/event centres, markets, critical national assets and infrastructure among others to safeguard life and property.

“Personnel of the command have been briefed to work in conjunction and synergy with all the security agencies for a peaceful Sallah celebration. The good people of Kano are hereby advised to cooperate with the security agents while the festive season last for a peaceful and memorable Eid-el-Fitr,” Abdullahi said.

The FRSC deployed 1,889 personnel to ease traffic flow during the celebration in Kano.

The sector commander, Masa’udu Matazu, said the corps had deployed five ambulances, patrol vehicles, one heavy duty tow truck and other operational equipment to major routes and highways, to facilitate effective smooth operations.

According to him, Eid-el-Fitri special patrol operation will run from March 27 to April 2, as 1,348 regular marshals and 541 special marshals would ensure safe, smooth vehicular movement, traffic control and give prompt attention to victims of road traffic crashes.

Also, the Bauchi State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all the residents as well as a hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

The state police commissioner, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, assured the public of the command’s dedication to implementing robust security measures and fostering a conducive atmosphere for prayers throughout the state.

A statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, emphasised that the safety of life and property remains the police top priority.

He urged the residents to send complaints via the Police Rescue Me App or contact emergency numbers 08151849417 and 09053872273″ when necessary.

[Leadership]