Islamic Extremists Prepare To Slaughter Hundreds On Christmas
(Photo by JOHN WESSELS/AFP via Getty Images)
Islamic extremist groups in Nigeria are reportedly preparing a large-scale attack timed for Christmas, an assault that could leave hundreds dead and displace tens of thousands if it is not stopped, according to the head of a Nigerian-focused news organization.
Judd Saul, a U.S.-based filmmaker, evangelist, and founder of Truth Nigeria, told the Daily Caller that extremist factions are mobilizing fighters and resources for coordinated attacks on Christian communities across several regions. According to Saul, Fulani militants appear to be assembling forces to strike Riom, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi in Plateau State; the Agatu area of Benue State; and the Kafanchan region of Kaduna State.
Saul warned that without immediate action by the Nigerian government — potentially with pressure from the United States — the violence could result in as many as 1,000 deaths and force between 20,000 and 40,000 people from their homes.
Data from Open Doors indicates that at least 3,100 Christians have been killed in Nigeria in 2025 alone. President Donald Trump, along with his State Department and Republican members of Congress, has repeatedly urged Nigerian authorities to take stronger action to protect Christian populations.
The attacks are carried out by a mix of extremist groups, including Boko Haram, ISIS–West Africa, and Fulani ethnic militias. Saul described the Fulani militants as the most dangerous of the groups.
“I’d say 80% of the Christian killings are done by the Fulani,” Saul told the Caller. He added that while these groups sometimes fight among themselves, they frequently cooperate, sharing the common goal of turning Nigeria into a caliphate.
Although killings, kidnappings, and sexual violence occur regularly, Saul said extremists often reserve their most brutal attacks for major Christian holidays. In 2023, a Christmas massacre killed roughly 200 people, most of them in the Bokkos area, according to persecution.org.
“More dead bodies were found in the bush today,” one witness told persecution.org at the time. “Yes, my village was attacked on Christmas Eve, and other villages close to my community. Many houses were burnt including my church. I can’t say how many people were killed but we found more dead bodies today and we are looking for missing ones.”
Concerns about another potential Christmas attack are shared by others monitoring the situation. Sean Nelson, senior counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International, who recently participated in a congressional roundtable on Christian persecution in Nigeria, issued a similar warning.
“Christmas is, sadly, a time when many Christians globally worry about persecution and violent attacks against them,” Nelson said Friday.
Saul said Truth Nigeria is able to identify likely targets and timelines through information gathered by local citizen journalists. These reporters are deeply familiar with the affected regions and often travel directly to attack sites to document casualties and interview witnesses.
He contrasted their work with that of mainstream Nigerian media outlets, which he claimed are often paid by the government to attend official press briefings rather than conduct independent investigations.
According to Saul, his organization’s reporting has allowed them to predict attacks with nearly 90 percent accuracy. He also alleged that Nigerian military forces frequently withdraw from areas shortly before attacks occur.
While Saul declined to share specific intelligence related to the potential Christmas assault, he explained how warnings typically emerge. Villagers often contact Truth Nigeria when they notice unusual movement, such as large groups of armed men traveling along rarely used roads. Reporters then confirm the information by contacting neighboring villages to verify the size and direction of the group.
“When they see movement, they call us,” Saul said. “When they see, you know, 100 armed Fulani militia on motorcycles heading somewhere, they call us.”
Saul emphasized that the anticipated Christmas attack could still be prevented, but only if Nigerian leaders take decisive action.
“Does the Nigerian government love its terrorism more than they love their own people?” he asked. “Do they want to see a prosperous Nigeria that could be a beacon of hope for the rest of Africa? Or do they love their terrorists and their stupid radical Islamist ideology more?”
While saying he would prefer to avoid U.S. military involvement, Saul argued it may become necessary if the killings continue. He also suggested that a long-term solution could involve international oversight to ensure legitimate elections.
Christmas is, sadly, a time when many Christians globally worry about persecution & violent attacks against them.
In the Middle Belt of Nigeria 🇳🇬, it’s happened often, on a mass scale.
And very possibly could happen this year, from current reports.
They need immediate help. https://t.co/ge1ANja1Ot
— Sean Nelson (@Sean_ADFIntl) December 12, 2025
“I would beg and ask the U.S. government to do something to intervene so we can stop the killing of these Christians on Christmas,” he said.
In early November, President Trump issued a public warning to the Nigerian government on Truth Social.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump wrote.
“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians! WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!” he added. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth responded, “Yes sir.”
“Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians,” Trump concluded, “or we will kill the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
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