Kid Podcast: What's Happening in Nigeria – July 2025
**Intro**
Hello friends! Welcome back to our kid-friendly news podcast all about Nigeria. My
name is Ayo, and I’m here in our colorful podcast studio to tell you what’s been
happening recently in Nigeria in a way that’s easy to understand. We will talk
about sports, about important people, about some problems people are facing and
about history being returned home. At the end we’ll finish with a recap and some
positive thoughts. Let’s get started!
**1. Super Falcons make history in Morocco**
Our first story is about football, or soccer as some people call it, and it’s very
exciting. On July 26 2025 the Nigerian women’s national football team, known as the
Super Falcons, won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. They played against Morocco
in the final in the city of Rabat. The Super Falcons were behind by two goals after
only 24 minutes, but they didn’t give up. In the second half they fought back.
Esther Okoronkwo scored a penalty to make the score 2-1 and then she passed to her
teammate Folashade Ijamilusi, who scored the equaliser. With only two minutes left,
substitute Jennifer Echegini took a free kick from Okoronkwo and scored the winning
goal. Nigeria won 3-2 and claimed their tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title,
which they called “Mission X” because X is the Roman numeral for
ten[Link]
title-and-complete-mission-x#:~:text=Substitute%20Jennifer%20Echegini%20scored
%20the,Africa%20Cup%20of%20Nations%20final. The victory made them the queens of
African women’s football once
again[Link]
wafcon-title-and-complete-mission-x#:~:text=Substitute%20Jennifer%20Echegini
%20scored%20the,Africa%20Cup%20of%20Nations%20final. It shows how persistence and
teamwork can turn a difficult match into a celebration.
Why is this important? Sports can bring joy and pride to a country. Many girls and
boys around Nigeria watched the match and were inspired by the Super Falcons. The
players showed that even when things look bad, you can keep trying and succeed.
They also became role models for young girls who dream of playing football. So, if
you enjoy sports, remember the story of the Super Falcons the next time you face a
challenge.
**2. Remembering former President Muhammadu Buhari**
Our second story is more serious. On July 13 2025, former Nigerian president
Muhammadu Buhari died in London at the age of 82 after a long
illness[Link]
muhammadu-buhari-dies-in-london-aged-82#:~:text=Nigeria%E2%80%99s%20former
%20President%20Muhammadu%20Buhari,82%20following%20a%20long%20illness. President
Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson announced that he died at about 4:30 pm London
time[Link]
buhari-dies-in-london-aged-82#:~:text=Nigeria%E2%80%99s%20former%20President
%20Muhammadu%20Buhari,82%20following%20a%20long%20illness. Buhari is an important
figure in Nigeria’s history. He was a military leader in the 1980s and later became
the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president in a democratic
election in 2015[Link]
muhammadu-buhari-dies-in-london-aged-82#:~:text=Buhari%20made%20history%20in
%202015,the%20country%E2%80%99s%20most%20credible%20election. He served two terms
until 2023. His supporters admired his strong stance against corruption and his
promise to bring change[Link]
president-muhammadu-buhari-dies-in-london-aged-82#:~:text=Known%20for%20his
%20austere%20style,to%20position%20himself%20above%20Nigeria%E2%80%99s. Critics
said he struggled to improve the economy and
security[Link]
muhammadu-buhari-dies-in-london-aged-82#:~:text=Yet%20his%20presidency%20struggled
%20to,the%20end%20of%20his%20tenure, but he remains a symbol of democratic
transition in Nigeria[Link]
president-muhammadu-buhari-dies-in-london-aged-82#:~:text=Still%2C%20Buhari
%20leaves%20behind%20a,transformation%20he%20promised%20remained%20incomplete.
Two days after his death, Nigeria honoured him with a state burial in his hometown
of Daura in Katsina state. There was a military parade and a 21-gun
salute[Link]
with-state-burial-and-tribute#:~:text=Nigeria%E2%80%99s%20former%20President
%20Muhammadu%20Buhari,old. People crowded to pay their respects, shouting
“Sai Baba” as the casket was lowered into the
ground[Link]
with-state-burial-and-tribute#:~:text=Nigeria%E2%80%99s%20former%20President
%20Muhammadu%20Buhari,old. Even though different people have different opinions
about his time as president, it is important to respect those who have served our
country. For children, this story reminds us that leaders are human beings and that
remembering history helps us learn from the past.
**3. The challenge of child malnutrition in Katsina**
The third story is about health and helping others. In the first six months of
2025, at least 652 children died from malnutrition in Katsina
state[Link]
children-in-past-six-months-msf-says#:~:text=At%20least%20652%20children
%20have,according%20to%20Doctors%20Without%20Borders. Doctors Without Borders, an
organisation often called MSF, said that the deaths were mostly because funding
from international donors had been
cut[Link]
children-in-past-six-months-msf-says#:~:text=At%20least%20652%20children
%20have,according%20to%20Doctors%20Without%20Borders. Funding is important because
it pays for food and medical care for sick children. The charity explained that
violence and insecurity in northern Nigeria made it harder to deliver
help[Link]
children-in-past-six-months-msf-says#:~:text=At%20least%20652%20children
%20have,according%20to%20Doctors%20Without%20Borders. They also said that by the
end of June, nearly 70,000 children had been treated for malnutrition and almost
10,000 of them were
hospitalised[Link]
killed-652-children-in-past-six-months-msf-says#:~:text=The%20NGO%20said%20by
%20the,were%20hospitalised%20in%20serious%20condition. The number of children with
the most severe form of malnutrition has risen by 208 percent compared with the
same time last year[Link]
nigeria-killed-652-children-in-past-six-months-msf-says#:~:text=MSF%20said%20the
%20number%20of,%E2%80%9D.
Why is this happening? In northern Nigeria some communities face violence, not
enough healthcare, not enough vaccines and
poverty[Link]
children-in-past-six-months-msf-says#:~:text=In%20the%20north%20of%20Nigeria
%2C,complicated%20by%20insecurity%20and%20violence. When children don’t get enough
nutritious food, they become weak and more likely to get sick. The charity said
that international donors from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom
and the European Union have cut back
funding[Link]
children-in-past-six-months-msf-says#:~:text=At%20least%20652%20children
%20have,according%20to%20Doctors%20Without%20Borders. At the same time, the United
Nations’ World Food Programme announced that by the end of July it would have to
suspend food aid for 1.3 million people in Nigeria because of a lack of
money[Link]
children-in-past-six-months-msf-says#:~:text=On%20Wednesday%2C%20the%20United
%20Nations,due%20to%20%E2%80%9Ccritical%20funding%20shortfalls%E2%80%9D. That could
put another 300,000 children at risk of severe
malnutrition[Link]
killed-652-children-in-past-six-months-msf-says#:~:text=That%20means%20more%20than
%201,means%20of%20survival%E2%80%9D%2C%20she%20said.
What can we learn? Even though this news is sad, it reminds us of the importance of
sharing and caring. When communities and governments work together to provide food,
medicine and safe environments, children can grow strong and healthy. You can help
by learning about nutrition, supporting local charities and spreading awareness
about malnutrition. Every little bit counts.
**4. Security forces fight back against armed groups**
Our fourth story deals with safety and security. In early July 2025, Nigerian
security forces carried out operations in the northwest and northeast of the
country. In the northwest, armed attacks had occurred in three villages.
Authorities said that a joint police and military operation killed about 30 armed
men during these raids[Link]
kill-dozens-of-gunmen-in-northwest-and-northeast#:~:text=Nigeria%E2%80%99s
%20military%20and%20security%20forces,the%20country%2C%20authorities%20have%20said.
A civilian, two soldiers and three policemen also lost their
lives[Link]
gunmen-in-northwest-and-northeast#:~:text=He%20claimed%20%E2%80%9Ccriminals
%E2%80%9D%20were%20raiding,were%20killed%20by%20government%20forces. The government
said they launched the operation because “criminals” were raiding villages and
causing harm[Link]
dozens-of-gunmen-in-northwest-and-northeast#:~:text=He%20claimed
%20%E2%80%9Ccriminals%E2%80%9D%20were%20raiding,were%20killed%20by%20government
%20forces.
At the same time, the army reported that in the northeast, troops fighting
insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province
“neutralised” 24 armed fighters during operations from July 4 to
July 9[Link]
gunmen-in-northwest-and-northeast#:~:text=Separately%2C%20in%20Nigeria%E2%80%99s
%20northeast%2C%20the,army%20statement%20said%20on%20Thursday. They used air
support to stop the attackers and collected weapons to prevent future
attacks[Link]
gunmen-in-northwest-and-northeast#:~:text=,HQNigerianArmy%29%20July%2010%2C%202025.
These operations are part of the government’s efforts to protect communities from
violence that has troubled the region for many
years[Link]
gunmen-in-northwest-and-northeast#:~:text=Northeast%20Nigeria%20has%20faced
%20attacks,like%20Boko%20Haram%20and%20ISWAP.
For children listening, it might be scary to hear about fighting. It’s important to
know that security forces try to keep people safe and that there are many people
working towards peace. You can also support peace by being kind, resolving
disagreements calmly and believing that Nigeria can be a safe place for everyone.
**5. Bandit attack in Zamfara**
Despite the efforts of security forces, some communities still face violence. On
July 19 2025 a gang of heavily armed men known locally as bandits attacked a
district in Zamfara state. According to local officials, at least nine people were
killed and many others were abducted[Link]
least-9-killed-many-abducted-in-bandit-gang-attack-in-nigeria#:~:text=At%20least
%20nine%20people%20have,been%20described%20as%20%E2%80%9Cbandit%E2%80%9D%20gangs.
Some reports said that up to 100 people, including women and children, might have
been taken[Link]
in-bandit-gang-attack-in-nigeria#:~:text=Hamisu%20Faru%2C%20a%20local%20lawmaker
%2C,people%2C%20including%20women%20and%20children%E2%80%9D. The attackers went
house-to-house in the village of Jangebe, capturing residents and causing
fear[Link]
bandit-gang-attack-in-nigeria#:~:text=Hamisu%20Faru%2C%20a%20local%20lawmaker
%2C,people%2C%20including%20women%20and%20children%E2%80%9D. Many people were too
frightened to go to their farms
afterwards[Link]
in-bandit-gang-attack-in-nigeria#:~:text=%E2%80%9CEverybody%20is%20now%20afraid
%20of,corroborated%20the%20reported%20death%20toll. Zamfara has suffered from
bandit attacks for several years[Link]
9-killed-many-abducted-in-bandit-gang-attack-in-nigeria#:~:text=The%20deadly
%20attack%20on%20Friday,unsafe%20to%20travel%20by%20road.
The banditry crisis started as conflicts between farmers and herders over land and
resources. It then grew into wider criminal activity, with gangs kidnapping people
for ransom and stealing livestock[Link]
9-killed-many-abducted-in-bandit-gang-attack-in-nigeria#:~:text=Nigeria%E2%80%99s
%20bandits%20maintain%20camps%20in,conflict%20fuelled%20by%20arms%20trafficking.
Some communities formed self-defense groups to protect themselves, but these
clashes have sometimes led to even more
violence[Link]
in-bandit-gang-attack-in-nigeria#:~:text=Nigeria%E2%80%99s%20bandits%20maintain
%20camps%20in,conflict%20fuelled%20by%20arms%20trafficking. The government is
trying different approaches to stop the bandits, such as negotiating peace pacts
with gang leaders[Link]
dozens-of-gunmen-in-northwest-and-northeast#:~:text=Last%20month%2C%20state
%20officials%20signed,ahead%20of%20the%20planting%20season and working with local
vigilantes[Link]
in-bandit-gang-attack-in-nigeria#:~:text=Nigeria%E2%80%99s%20bandits%20maintain
%20camps%20in,conflict%20fuelled%20by%20arms%20trafficking. But the situation shows
that restoring peace takes time and cooperation.
When hearing this, you might feel worried. It helps to talk to adults you trust
about your feelings. You can also focus on positive actions: support anti-bullying
campaigns, learn conflict-resolution skills and encourage your community to build
harmony. Remember, Nigeria is a big country with many good people working together
to solve these problems.
**6. The Netherlands returns Benin Bronzes to Nigeria**
Our sixth story is about culture and history. In June 2025, the Netherlands
returned 119 ancient sculptures known as the Benin Bronzes to
Nigeria[Link]
sculptures-to-nigeria#:~:text=The%20Netherlands%20has%20officially%20handed,ago
%20during%20the%20colonial%20era. These artworks were looted more than 120 years
ago during a British military raid on the Kingdom of Benin, which is in today’s
southern Nigeria[Link]
119-stolen-sculptures-to-nigeria#:~:text=The%20Netherlands%20has%20officially
%20handed,ago%20during%20the%20colonial%20era. At a ceremony in Lagos, the director
of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments said that the artefacts
are “embodiments of the spirit and identity of the people from which they were
taken”[Link]
sculptures-to-nigeria#:~:text=Olugbile%20Holloway%2C%20director,which%20they%20were
%20taken%20from%E2%80%9D. Four of the returned pieces will stay in Nigeria’s
national museum and the rest will be given to the Oba of Benin, the traditional
king[Link]
sculptures-to-nigeria#:~:text=Four%20of%20the%20artefacts%20are,of%20Benin%20in
%20southern%20Nigeria.
These sculptures, made from bronze and ivory in the 16th to 18th
centuries[Link]
stolen-sculptures-to-nigeria#:~:text=The%20Benin%20Bronzes%20include%20metal,the
%2016th%20to%2018th%20centuries, show important historical scenes and royal
figures. They were stolen in 1897 when British forces looted Benin City and forced
the Oba into exile[Link]
119-stolen-sculptures-to-nigeria#:~:text=The%20items%20were%20stolen%20in,month
%20exile. For many years Nigeria has been asking museums and governments around the
world to return these treasures. The return of 119 objects from the Netherlands is
part of a larger movement to give back Africa’s cultural
heritage[Link]
stolen-sculptures-to-nigeria#:~:text=%E2%80%9CAll%20we%20ask%20of%20the,the
%20National%20Museum%20in%20Lagos. Germany has also agreed to return more than
1,000 additional pieces[Link]
returns-119-stolen-sculptures-to-nigeria#:~:text=%E2%80%9CAll%20we%20ask%20of
%20the,the%20National%20Museum%20in%20Lagos.
Why does this matter? Cultural heritage tells us who we are and where we come from.
When artefacts are stolen, it’s like losing pieces of your family album. Returning
these bronzes helps Nigerians connect with their history and teaches the world
about fairness and respect. It also shows that countries can make things right even
after many years. If you love art or history, maybe visit a museum or read books
about the Benin Kingdom. You might even imagine what life was like when the bronzes
were made.
**Conclusion**
We’ve talked about several important events in Nigeria. We celebrated with the
Super Falcons as they won their tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, we remembered
former President Muhammadu Buhari and his mixed legacy, we learned about the tragic
challenge of child malnutrition in Katsina state and why help is needed, we heard
about security operations and the continuing efforts to protect communities from
armed groups, we felt concern about bandit attacks in Zamfara, and we rejoiced as
119 Benin Bronzes were returned to Nigeria.
News can sometimes be joyful and sometimes upsetting, but it’s always important to
stay informed and to respond with kindness. If you see someone in need, try to
help. If you feel inspired by sports, practice and support your local teams. If you
learn about history, share it with your friends. Nigeria is a country full of
vibrant people, rich culture and big challenges, and together we can make it
better.
Thanks for listening! Join us next time for more stories from Nigeria and around
the world. Remember to be curious, caring and courageous. Bye for now!