Presidency Dismisses Christmas Terror Attack Claims, Assures Nigerians of Security Nationwide

Presidency Dismisses Christmas Terror Attack Claims, Assures Nigerians of Security Nationwide

The Presidency has dismissed reports of alleged planned terrorist attacks on Christmas Day in parts of Northern Nigeria, describing the claims as unverified and capable of causing unnecessary panic.

The reaction followed a warning issued by a foreign-based humanitarian organisation, Equipping The Persecuted, which alleged that terrorists were planning coordinated attacks in parts of the Middle Belt, including Plateau, Benue and Kaduna states, during the Christmas celebrations.

The organisation’s founder, Judd Saul, made the claims during a roundtable meeting in Washington, DC, hosted by the International Committee on Nigeria and the African Jewish Alliance, and convened by former U.S. Congressman Frank Wolf. The meeting was attended by U.S. lawmakers, including Riley Moore, Chris Smith and Senator James Lankford, alongside members of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and some Nigerian representatives.

Saul alleged that terrorists were regrouping around border areas between Plateau and Nasarawa, Nasarawa and Benue, and Nasarawa and Kaduna, with planned attacks in Riyom, Bokkos, Kafanchan and Agatu on Christmas Day.

However, reacting to the alert, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, cautioned Nigerians against spreading what he described as questionable reports from external organisations.

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“We should be very careful how we digest and process some of these doubtful reports by external organisations that may be setting the stage for internal crisis. We should not give oxygen to narratives that heighten fear and insecurity,” Ajayi said.

The Presidency also questioned the motive and agenda behind the alarm, stressing that such reports could inflame tensions and disrupt national peace.

Despite dismissing the claims, the Presidency assured Nigerians that security agencies are fully alert and capable of preventing any form of terrorist attack.

“Whatever the motive behind these reports, our security forces are prepared to foil any threat. Nigerians should not entertain fear. The police, military and intelligence agencies are working round the clock to ensure a peaceful Christmas and Yuletide season,” Ajayi added.

Meanwhile, a senior officer of the Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed that intelligence agencies were aware of security concerns in some areas and had intensified surveillance and preventive measures nationwide.

Nigeria has witnessed repeated attacks in Riyom and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Agatu in Benue State, and parts of Southern Kaduna, particularly during festive periods. However, authorities insist that adequate measures are in place to protect lives and property during the Christmas celebrations.

The Federal Government urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with security agencies, reaffirming its commitment to national security, public safety and peaceful coexistence.

Presidency Dismisses Christmas Terror Attack Claims, Assures Nigerians of Security Nationwide