NGO Warns of Planned Christmas Day Attacks on Northern Christian Communities

A humanitarian group raised an urgent alarm over intelligence pointing to terrorist plans for attacks on Christmas Day targeting Christian areas in northern Nigeria. Equipping The Persecuted, led by Judd Saul, shared the warning during a roundtable in the United States attended by US lawmakers and a Nigerian delegation. Terrorists have begun regrouping along borders in Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and Kaduna states, aiming for a potential massacre.

Saul detailed the threats, saying terrorists gathered forces near the Plateau-Nasarawa border, Nasarawa-Benue border, and Nasarawa-Kaduna border. They planned strikes in Riyom and Bokkos in Plateau State, Kafanchan in Kaduna State, and Agatu in Benue State. He urged the Nigerian government and US President Donald Trump to intervene swiftly to prevent widespread deaths among Christians.

The Department of State Services confirmed it held the intelligence report and had started preventive actions. A senior DSS officer in Abuja stated the agency intensified nationwide surveillance, noting bandits often target Middle Belt communities during festive periods. Security forces prepared to foil any threats and ensure safety.

The Presidency questioned the alert’s motives, calling it doubtful and potentially fear-inducing. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, cautioned against amplifying such reports from external groups. He affirmed that security agencies stood ready to protect citizens and deliver a peaceful Yuletide season.

The Middle Belt Forum noted the intelligence aligned with past patterns, having received similar tips before prior attacks. Its president, Dr Bitrus Pogu, called on authorities to protect vulnerable Christian-dominated areas. The Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union highlighted frequent Yuletide assaults in the region and urged heightened patrols and community vigilance.

These areas endured repeated bandit raids throughout 2025. In Riyom and Bokkos, attacks killed dozens, including six in Kwi community on October 31 and 32 in Jebu village. Agatu saw 28 deaths in June and a pastor slain in November. As families brace for the holidays, heightened alerts underscore the persistent pain from unchecked violence in these communities.