Christmas in Nigeria, 2025, has been hailed as a beacon of peace, marking the most tranquil festive season many can recall in recent years. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has officially declared this period a significant improvement in security, a welcome respite for communities often on edge. This report dives into what made this Christmas different, the statements from key figures, and what it means for the future of peace in Nigeria. Here’s what you need to know:
- CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh confirmed a noticeably peaceful Christmas.
- He directly linked this improved security to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
- This marks a significant shift from previous years marked by attacks on churches and communities.
- While acknowledging ongoing challenges, CAN expresses hope for sustained peace and visible results.
A Yuletide Without Midnight Calls of Terror
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has dropped a bombshell of good news! He’s declared that the Christmas season of 2025 was the most peaceful Nigeria has seen in ages. Imagine waking up on Christmas morning without a dreaded phone call about a church being attacked – that’s the reality Okoh shared, calling it a testimony worth shouting about. This wasn’t just a quiet Christmas; it was a “first Christmas in many years” free from such horrific disturbances. It’s a testament to the renewed efforts being made to bolster security across the nation, allowing Nigerians to celebrate and travel with a sense of safety. Of course, Okoh didn’t shy away from the fact that there’s still a mountain to climb, but he’s optimistic about the President’s start and hopes this positive trend continues, with even more visible results expected next year.
Tinubu’s Security Push Gets a Nod
Archbishop Okoh didn’t just stop at declaring peace; he pointed fingers, in a good way! He specifically lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the significant improvements in security. Speaking after a meeting with the President and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Lagos, Okoh emphasized the administration’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s security architecture. It’s clear that the government’s focus on ensuring Nigerians can move about their daily lives and festive periods in peace is starting to pay off. This direct acknowledgment from a prominent religious leader is a major win and shows that the message of prioritizing security is resonating.
A Stark Contrast to Recent Years
For context, it’s crucial to remember the dark clouds that have loomed over previous Christmases. In recent years, the festive season has sadly been marred by coordinated attacks. We’ve seen horrific incidents like the December 25, 2022, assaults on Christian villages in the southern Kaduna region, which tragically occurred during Christmas celebrations and even saw assailants return after funerals. Then there was the devastating attack in Kwande County, Benue State, on Christmas Day 2024, where armed militants killed at least 11 Christians attending church services. These events cast a long shadow of fear and insecurity over the period.
Global Counter-Terrorism Efforts Continue
While Nigeria celebrated a more peaceful Christmas, the global fight against terrorism didn’t take a break. Interestingly, on Christmas Day 2025 itself, U.S. airstrikes targeted ISIS-linked militant camps in Sokoto. U.S. officials framed this operation as a direct response to militants responsible for the deaths of Christians. Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed that Nigeria authorized these strikes and provided crucial intelligence. He reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering stance: collaborating with all partners committed to fighting terrorism, regardless of religious affiliation of victims or perpetrators. This highlights a continuous, broad-based approach to combating extremism within the country.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Peace
The sentiment from CAN is clear: this peaceful Christmas is a cause for celebration and a sign of progress, but it’s not the finish line. The hope is that the current security strategies are not just a temporary fix but a sustainable approach. As Archbishop Okoh put it, they hope to see this momentum carried forward, with “visible results” becoming even more apparent. It’s a call for continued vigilance, investment in security, and a collective effort to maintain the hard-won peace. This Christmas may have been exceptionally peaceful, but the journey towards lasting security for all Nigerians is ongoing.
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