Nigerian Government Dismisses US NGO’s Christmas Attáck Warning, Cites Panic R!sk

A United States-based humanitarian group, Equipping The Persecuted, has issued a warning of an alleged terrorist plot to launch coordinated attacks on communities in northern Nigeria during Christmas. The Nigerian Federal Government has firmly dismissed the alert, labeling it “doubtful” and a potential source of undue public panic.

The warning was presented by the organization’s founder, Judd Saul, during a roundtable discussion in Washington, D.C., chaired by former US Congressman Frank Wolf. Saul claimed intelligence indicates armed groups are regrouping in the Middle Belt region, specifically targeting the borders between Plateau-Nasarawa, Nasarawa-Benue, and Nasarawa-Kaduna. He identified communities in Riyom, Bokkos, Kafanchan, and Agatu as potential Christmas Day targets, urging immediate intervention to prevent mass casualties.

The meeting was part of broader engagements by US lawmakers and advocacy groups concerning Nigeria’s security situation and alleged violence against Christian communities. Sources indicate Saul has formally passed this intelligence to US authorities through Congressman Riley Moore.

Nigerian Security Response
In contrast to the government’s public dismissal, security agencies have acknowledged the report and taken action. The Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed it is aware of the alleged plot and has initiated preventive security operations. A senior DSS officer stated the agency received similar intelligence, noting that attacks often spike during festive periods in volatile areas like parts of Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and Benue regions, including Riyom and Bokkos, that have suffered repeated violence this year.

The Presidency has urged citizens to be discerning about information from external organizations. The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, reassured the public that all security agencies are on high alert and fully prepared to ensure a peaceful and secure Christmas season nationwide.