2025 in Review: 10 Stories That Shook Nigeria

1. Yelwata Massacre in Benue State: June 2025, armed attackers invaded Yelwata community in Guma LGA, Benue State, killing over 100 villagers. Homes were burned, livestock stolen, and thousands of people were displaced. Survivors accused authorities of responding too slowly and human rights organizations condemned the massacre. The attack exposed the worsening insecurity in rural Nigeria and the vulnerability of communities in the region.

2. Nigeria Wins African Women’s U-20 Cup: In July 2025, the Nigerian Women’s U-20 football team defeated Ghana 2-1 to win the African Women’s U-20 Cup of Nations. This marked Nigeria’s first continental victory at this level. The team, nicknamed the Falconets, played exceptionally well with star player Chiamaka Okoro scoring both goals. The victory was celebrated nationwide with the President, sports officials, and fans honoring the players. Analysts noted that the win strengthened Nigeria’s position in African women’s football and inspired young girls across the country to pursue sports professionally.

3. Kebbi State Schoolgirls Kidnapping: Bandits raided a government girls’ school in Maga, Kebbi State, in March 2025, abducting dozens of students and killing the vice principal during the attack. The incident sparked national outrage and prompted emergency military intervention. It renewed discussions about protecting children from insurgents and bandits in northern Nigeria and highlighted the ongoing security challenges facing schools in the region.

4. Donald Trump Calls Out Nigeria Over Violence and U.S. Airstrikes Throughout late 2025: U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly criticized Nigeria over alleged attacks on Christians, warning that the United States could cut aid or take military action if the situation did not improve. True to his words, in December 2025, the Nigerian government confirmed that U.S-assisted airstrikes had targeted ISIS-linked camps in northern Nigeria, particularly in Borno and Sokoto states. Several high-value targets were eliminated during the operation. While the strikes were hailed as a tactical success, they also sparked debate about foreign military involvement, Nigeria’s sovereignty, and the long-term strategy for countering terrorism in the country.

5. Nigeria Launches Largest Solar Power Plant in West Africa: The federal government inaugurated the Kano Mega Solar Power Plant, which generates 500 megawatts of clean energy, enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes. The project created thousands of jobs and marked a major milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to renewable energy. It is expected to significantly reduce the country’s energy deficit and promote sustainable development while inspiring future investment in green technology. This happened in May 2025.

6. Dangote Foundation Provides Free Healthcare for 1 Million Nigerians: April 2025, the Dangote Foundation launched a nationwide health initiative providing free medical care, vaccinations, and health education to over 1 million Nigerians in rural and underserved communities. The program helped reduce preventable diseases and improve public health outcomes. Communities across the country benefited from access to essential healthcare services that would have otherwise been unavailable.

7. Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko Marriage Crisis: In mid-2025, reports of a marital crisis between actress Regina Daniels and billionaire politician Ned Nwoko dominated social media. Rumors of separation circulated widely, but the couple reportedly reconciled only to split again later in the year. The saga captured the attention of fans and media outlets and highlighted the public fascination with celebrity marriages.

8. Death of TV Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu: September 2025, Arise TV anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu tragically died while trying to escape an armed robbery in Abuja. His death shocked the media community and sparked nationwide mourning. The incident was extremely sad and triggered discussions about urban crime and the safety of journalists working in high-risk environments in Nigeria.

9. Death of Brigadier General Musa Uba in Borno State: November 2025, Brigadier General Musa Uba, commander of the Nigerian Army’s 25 Task Force Brigade, was ambushed and killed by ISWAP militants along the Damboa Biu axis in Borno State. His death marked one of the highest-ranking military casualties in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. The loss shocked the nation shining more light on the ongoing security challenges facing troops in the North East.

10. Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar Resigns Amid Security Crisis: December 2025, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar resigned unexpectedly citing health reasons. His resignation occurred during a period of rising kidnappings and insurgent attacks across the country. President Bola Tinubu quickly nominated retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa as his replacement to stabilize the ministry and coordinate Nigeria’s security strategy during the crisis.