This Week in Nigeria
TWN News Roundup 23rd - 27th December 2025
TWN News
The Week's Top Stories: Dec 23 - Dec 27, 2025
Welcome back! I'm Omotola Oluwashindara, and this week brings dramatic developments as the United States launches airstrikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, while the NGX closes the year strong at 153,539 points with nearly 50% year-to-date gains.
Market & Sentiment Overview
NGX All-Share Index (ASI)
▲ 153,539.83
Year-to-Date: +49.17%
Market capitalization: N97.9 trillion | Weekly gain: +0.12%
2025 emerges as Nigeria's strongest stock market year since 2020
Breaking News: US Airstrikes in Nigeria
-
US Conducts Christmas Day Airstrikes Against ISIS in Northwest Nigeria
At the direction of President Donald Trump, US Africa Command conducted precision airstrikes against ISIS targets in Sokoto State, northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, December 25. The strikes, coordinated with Nigerian authorities, targeted ISIS enclaves in the Bauni forest of Tangaza area. Trump stated the strikes were in response to ISIS "targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians," though security analysts note these extremist groups have killed tens of thousands of Muslims as well. Nigeria's Foreign Ministry confirmed the operation as part of "structured security cooperation" with international partners. Local residents in Jabo reported intense heat from missiles, though some villages have never experienced ISIS attacks, raising questions about targeting accuracy.
-
Nigerian Government Confirms Coordinated Counter-Terrorism Operation
Information Minister Mohammed Idris confirmed that two major ISIS enclaves were "successfully neutralized" in the operation. Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar disclosed that President Bola Tinubu gave the "go ahead" after consultations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Nigerian authorities emphasized the strikes targeted terrorist violence affecting all communities, whether Christian, Muslim, or other faiths. Security analysts suggest the lesser-known Lakurawa group, a Boko Haram offshoot operating in northwestern states, may have been among the targets.
-
Context: Trump's "Country of Particular Concern" Designation
The strikes followed months of escalating US pressure after Trump designated Nigeria a "Country of Particular Concern" over alleged persecution of Christians. In November, Trump instructed the Pentagon to "prepare for possible action" against Nigeria, warning the strikes would be "fast, vicious and sweet." Data from Armed Conflict Location & Event Data shows 317 deaths from attacks targeting Christians versus 417 targeting Muslims between January 2020 and September 2025, with the vast majority of over 20,400 civilian deaths not religiously classified.
Economy & Markets
-
Nigerian Stock Market Caps Best Year Since 2020
The year 2025 shaped up as the Nigerian stock market's strongest performance since 2020, with the NGX gaining 49.17% year-to-date as of December 25. About 40 listed stocks delivered returns exceeding 100%, driven by standout performances in consumer goods, healthcare, and agriculture. Market capitalization reached N97.9 trillion, with total deals hitting an 18-year high of N10.54 trillion. Fifteen companies now boast market capitalizations exceeding N1 trillion, up from eleven in October. Foreign portfolio investment more than doubled to N2.03 trillion, a 172.4% year-on-year increase.
-
Christmas Eve Trading Shows Market Resilience
On December 24, the NGX All-Share Index rose 0.12% (185.69 points) to close at 153,539.83, with 1.75 billion shares traded in 19,362 deals worth N29.05 billion. Guinness Nigeria led gainers with 9.98% appreciation, followed by Austin Laz & Company (+9.97%) and International Breweries (+9.85%). The Banking Index surged 1.72% while Consumer Goods gained 1.5%, reflecting strong year-end buying sentiment.
-
28 People Kidnapped En Route to Muslim Gathering
In a stark reminder of persistent security challenges, 28 people were kidnapped on December 23 while traveling to a Muslim religious gathering in northern Nigeria. The abduction came just days after authorities announced the release of 130 schoolchildren and teachers from a separate mass kidnapping in Niger state. Criminal gangs, known locally as bandits, continue widespread kidnapping for ransom across northern and central regions.
-
Naira Stabilizes at N1,529 Per Dollar
The Nigerian currency maintained relative stability around N1,529 per US Dollar on the official NFEM market as the year draws to a close, reflecting CBN's ongoing reforms in the foreign exchange sector.
Politics & Governance
-
President Tinubu's Christmas Message Emphasizes Unity
On Christmas Eve, President Bola Tinubu posted a prayer "for peace in our land, especially between individuals of differing religious beliefs." He pledged commitment "to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from violence." The message came hours before the US airstrikes.
-
Central African Republic's Russia-Friendly President Seeks Third Term
Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera campaigned for a third term in Sunday's election after changing the constitution to remove term limits. Critics say the move entrenches his decade in power, though Touadera points to improved security, peace deals with rebel groups, and economic growth of about 3%.
-
Sudan PM Unveils UN-Backed Peace Initiative
Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris presented a broad UN-backed peace initiative to end the 1,000-day war with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), offering hope for resolution in one of Africa's most protracted recent conflicts.
-
South Africa Records Second Mass Shooting in Three Weeks
An early-morning attack on Sunday, December 21, killed 10 people (seven men and three women) at a tavern in Bekkersdal, west of Johannesburg, with nine others hospitalized. Police charged the pub owner with fraud and running an illegal liquor outlet. This marked the second mass shooting at a township bar in three weeks, as South Africa battles one of the world's highest homicide rates with over 26,000 killings reported in 2024.
Regional & International Developments
-
Uganda Restricts Starlink Imports Ahead of Elections
Uganda's government restricted imports of Starlink satellite internet equipment weeks before the January 15 election, raising opposition fears of another election-period internet blackout. A leaked Uganda Revenue Authority memo dated December 19 requires clearance from military head Muhoozi Kainerugaba, President Museveni's son, for all Starlink device imports.
-
US Signs New Health Funding Agreements with Nine African Countries
The United States signed new health funding agreements with at least nine African countries including Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, Mozambique, Lesotho, Cameroon, Eswatini, and Liberia, reflecting the Trump administration's shift toward reduced aid and negotiated government-to-government deals.
-
AFCON Tournament Continues to Launch Young Stars
From Samuel Eto'o in 2002 to Osaze Odemwingie in 2004 and Ismaël Bennacer in 2022, the Africa Cup of Nations continues proving itself a launchpad for young players to make their mark in African football, with the 2025 tournament generating significant anticipation.
Sports & Culture
-
JS Darinho Sports Academy: Building Future Champions
JS Darinho Sports Academy continues to nurture young sporting talent in Nigeria, providing world-class training and development programs for aspiring athletes. The academy focuses on building not just skilled players, but well-rounded individuals through sports education. Learn more about their programs and training opportunities.
-
Nigerian Makeup Artist Breaks Guinness World Record
Nigerian makeup artist Theresa Emegwara broke the Guinness World Record for the longest makeup application by an individual, bringing international recognition to Nigeria's vibrant creative industry.
Promotions & Adverts
🤖 AI Creator's Blueprint: Consultancy & Coaching
Master Gemini, Generative Video, and Creative Coding with Author & Content Creator Larry Allen.
Are you overwhelmed by the explosion of AI tools? Do you struggle to get the exact image, video, or code snippet you need from an AI prompt?
The AI Creator's Blueprint is not just a course; it is a personalized consultancy and coaching experience designed to bridge the gap between technical potential and creative reality.
Presented by Larry Allen, this program fuses the narrative precision of a published author with the technical rigor of a web developer to help you master the next generation of digital creation.
🛡️ The "Larry Allen" Guarantee
I believe in practical application, not theory. By the end of this consultancy, you will not just "know" about AI—you will have a finished asset (a website, a video, a chapter, or a code module) that you created yourself.
Claim your reward now 🎉
📚 The Gift of Two Tongues
By Larry Allen
A storybook for readers aged 5-12 titled "The Gift of Two Tongues," which tells the tale of Olajubu, a Yoruba girl, and Nnamdi, an Igbo boy, who learn the value of their native languages from the wise Pretty Grandma.
I hope you enjoy reading it!
🛒 Get Your Copy Today!© 2025 TWN News. All rights reserved.
Comments
Post a Comment