A humanitarian organisation, Equipping The Persecuted, has warned of what it called a plot to launch coordinated Christmas Day attacks across several northern communities. The group raised the alarm during a roundtable held in Washington DC, where its founder, Judd Saul, claimed terrorists were regrouping around Plateau, Nasarawa and Kaduna.
Saul told the gathering that his team received “very reliable information” suggesting that armed groups were preparing simultaneous assaults in Riyom, Bokkos, Kafanchan and Agatu. He urged both the Nigerian government and U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene to prevent what he described as a potential massacre.
The meeting included former U.S. Congressman Frank Wolf, Congressmen Riley Moore and Chris Smith, Senator James Lankford and members of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Some Nigerian delegates were also present.
Security Agencies Respond to Christmas Day Attacks Alert
A senior officer of the Department of State Services confirmed that the agency is aware of the intelligence regarding possible Christmas Day attacks. He explained that the DSS had already intensified surveillance and expanded intelligence-gathering efforts in vulnerable communities.
Another operative noted that violent groups often target communities during festive periods, adding that preventive measures are now in motion. Several Plateau and Benue communities—including Riyom, Bokkos and Agatu—have experienced repeated attacks throughout 2025.
Presidency Rejects NGO’s Warning
The Presidency, however, dismissed the NGO’s claims. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said Nigerians must be cautious about embracing reports from foreign groups without understanding their motives. According to him, such alerts can create unnecessary fear and disrupt public confidence.
Ajayi questioned the intent behind the warning and assured Nigerians that the security forces remain fully prepared to prevent any threat during the festive season. “Our security agencies are capable of foiling any terror attack and keeping us safe,” he said. “Nigerians should not entertain fear in any part of the country.”
Middle Belt Groups Call for Reinforced Security
Despite the Presidency’s assurance, regional groups urged authorities to take the warning seriously. The Middle Belt Forum and the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union said communities in Plateau, Benue and Southern Kaduna often face attacks during Christmas, stressing the need for increased patrols and early-warning systems.
They also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report unusual movements in their surroundings.
