US Warns of Planned Christmas Day Attacks in Nigerian Communities as DSS Confirms Intelligence Reports
A United States based security and human rights monitoring group has raised serious alarm over alleged plans to carry out coordinated attacks on several Nigerian communities during the Christmas Day celebrations, prompting heightened concern among citizens and authorities. The warning, which surfaced through intelligence assessments shared with international partners, has now been acknowledged by Nigeria’s Department of State Services, DSS, which confirmed it is in receipt of actionable intelligence relating to the reported threat.
According to the group, the planned attacks are believed to target vulnerable communities, religious gatherings, and crowded public spaces where large numbers of people traditionally assemble during the Christmas festivities. The report indicated that extremist and criminal elements may be seeking to exploit the festive period, when security vigilance is often stretched, to cause mass casualties, instill fear, and disrupt national stability. While specific locations were not publicly disclosed for security reasons, the alert emphasized that multiple regions could be at risk.
Reacting to the development, the DSS confirmed that it has obtained intelligence consistent with the warning and assured the public that proactive measures are already in place. The agency stated that it is working closely with other security outfits, including the military, police, and local intelligence networks, to prevent any planned attacks. The DSS further noted that surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response operations have been intensified nationwide ahead of the Christmas celebrations.
Security sources explained that such alerts are treated with utmost seriousness, particularly during periods of religious significance, which have historically been targeted by terror groups and armed criminal networks. They added that the confirmation of intelligence does not necessarily mean an attack is inevitable, but rather underscores the need for vigilance and preventive action to neutralize threats before they materialize.
The DSS also called on Nigerians to remain calm but alert, urging citizens to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements, unfamiliar persons, or unusual activities in their communities. Religious leaders and event organizers were advised to adhere strictly to security guidelines, while parents and guardians were encouraged to be cautious when attending crowded events with children.
This latest warning comes amid ongoing security challenges across parts of the country, including insurgency, banditry, and communal violence, which have often escalated during festive seasons. Analysts say the acknowledgment by the DSS reflects a broader effort to reassure the public while quietly strengthening security architecture to ensure peaceful celebrations.
As Christmas approaches, authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that all credible intelligence is being acted upon. Nigerians have been advised to celebrate responsibly, remain security conscious, and trust that coordinated efforts are underway to ensure that the festive period passes without incident.
