A humanitarian organisation, Equipping The Persecuted, has raised an alarm over an alleged plan by bandits and terrorists to carry out deadly attacks in some northern Nigerian communities on Christmas Day.
The warning has sparked national attention, with security agencies confirming they are aware of the intelligence, while the Presidency has urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid panic.
Below is a list of the states and communities mentioned in the alert, strictly based on the information presented at the meeting convened by the International Committee on Nigeria and the African Jewish Alliance. 
The meeting, which was held in Washington DC, United States, was chaired by a former congressman, Frank Wolf.
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List of States Bandits Are Allegedly Planning to Target on Christmas Day
1. Plateau State
According to the founder of Equipping The Persecuted, Judd Saul, attackers are regrouping around border areas linked to Plateau. He said:
“They are gathering forces around the Plateau and Nasarawa border… They are planning to hit on Christmas Day in Riyom and Bokkos.”
Riyom and Bokkos local government areas have recorded repeated attacks in 2025, including deadly incidents in Kwi, Jebu, and nearby communities.
2. Benue State
Benue State, particularly Agatu Local Government Area, was also named in the alleged plot. Saul stated:
“They are planning to hit on Christmas Day in Agatu.”
Agatu has experienced several violent attacks this year, including a June 1 incident in Edikwu Ankpali and Opaha communities where dozens were reportedly killed.
3. Kaduna State
Saul mentioned Kafanchan, a major town in southern Kaduna, as one of the intended targets.
Supporting this concern, the spokesperson of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU), Josiah Abraks, said:
“Southern parts of Kaduna have always been attacked during the Yuletide. Bandits attack communities in the area on Christmas Day.”
Recent attacks on Chawai communities near Kafanchan have already displaced residents.
4. Nasarawa State (Border Areas)
While no specific town in Nasarawa was listed as a direct target, the state was repeatedly mentioned as a strategic regrouping zone.
Saul said attackers were gathering along:
- Nasarawa–Plateau border
- Nasarawa–Benue border
- Nasarawa–Kaduna border
These border regions reportedly serve as movement routes ahead of the planned attacks.
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Presidency Dismisses the Alert
The Presidency, however, questioned the motive of the humanitarian group and warned against spreading fear.
The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said:
“We should be very careful how we digest and process some of these doubtful reports by external organisations.
He assured Nigerians that security agencies are prepared and capable of foiling any terror attack and keeping us safe.
A senior officer of the Department of State Services (DSS) also confirmed awareness of the threat. He said the service is aware, they have the intelligence report and are already working on it.
Meanwhile groups in the affected regions are calling for extra vigilance. Middle Belt Forum President, Dr Bitrus Pogu, said the warning should not be ignored:
“The Intel may not be far from the truth… vulnerable communities, especially those dominated by Christians, must be adequately protected for Christmas.”
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