Nigeria experienced an unusually calm Christmas season this year, with no reported attacks on churches, a development the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described as both reassuring and symbolic of improving national security efforts.
Speaking after a courtesy visit by CAN leaders to President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the association’s president, Archbishop Daniel Oku, said the absence of violent incidents during the festive period marked a sharp departure from previous years defined by fear and emergency alerts.
According to Oku, Christian leaders were often accustomed to distress calls during Christmas celebrations, especially at night, alerting them to attacks on worship centres.
However, he noted that this year’s experience was different, describing it as a testimony worth acknowledging and sustaining.
“This Christmas came with peace. For the first time in many years, we were not woken up at midnight with news of a church attack,” Oku said. “That alone speaks to the efforts being made, and we are grateful for it.”
Moreover, the CAN president explained that the visit to the Presidential residence was aimed at expressing goodwill to the First Family and appreciating ongoing initiatives targeted at social welfare, national unity, and security.
He commended the administration’s commitment to supporting vulnerable Nigerians and fostering peaceful coexistence across the country.
He further stated that Christian leaders were encouraged by what he described as renewed determination by the Federal Government to address insecurity, even as he acknowledged that the task remained far from complete.
“There is still a lot to be done, but the signs are encouraging,” Oku said.
“What we are seeing is responsiveness and a clear effort to strengthen the country’s security framework so that Nigerians can live their daily lives without fear.”
In addition, Oku addressed concerns over recent tensions triggered by comments attributed to United States President Donald Trump, stressing that President Tinubu’s handling of the situation reflected attentiveness and calm leadership.
“The President has shown that he listens to issues being raised and responds appropriately,” he said. “We are hopeful that if these efforts are sustained, the impact will become more visible in the coming year.”
The visit, which took place on December 26, 2025, ended with CAN pledging continued cooperation with the Federal Government in the pursuit of national stability, peace, and development.
“Our commitment is clear,” Oku added. “We will continue to work with the President for the progress of Nigeria, and we pray that this peace becomes permanent.”