In a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times published on Thursday, United States President Donald Trump signalled that the US could undertake multiple military strikes in Nigeria if violence against Christians persists. Trump framed it as a response to what he characterised as repeated killings of Christians by extremist groups in Nigeria, language that has fuelled debate over the motivations behind the intervention. When pressed about comments from his senior Africa adviser that groups such as Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram had killed more Muslims than Christians in Nigeria, Trump acknowledged that Muslims were also victims. “I think that Muslims are being killed also in Nigeria. The Nigerian government has emphasised cooperation with international partners in counter-terrorism efforts while reiterating that violence against any community, regardless of faith, is unacceptable.

TikTok has been set as FIFA’s first-ever “preferred platform” partner in a deal ahead of the 2026 World Cup that aims to make the social media app the “go-to place for fans and creators throughout the tournament,” taking place this summer. The TikTok pact, which comes on the heels of the team-up between the brands for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, will allow FIFA’s official 2026 World Cup media partners to livestream parts of matches, post more curated clips and access special content produced by FIFA for TikTok, while broadcasters will have the opportunity to monetise FIFA World Cup coverage through TikTok’s ad product. Throughout the FIFA campaign, TikTok says it “will implement anti-piracy policies that support and protect FIFA’s intellectual property.”“FIFA’s goal is to share the exhilaration of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with as many fans as possible, and we can’t think of a better way to further that mission during the biggest event in sports history than to have TikTok as the tournament’s first Preferred Platform,” FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said. “This is an innovative and creative collaboration that will connect more fans across the globe to the FIFA World Cup in unprecedented ways, bringing them behind the curtain and closer to the action than ever before. As football grows and evolves — uniting an increasing number of people — so should the way it is shared and promoted.”

Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Desert Warriors of Algeria are set for a terrific showdown in the 45,000-capacity Grand Stade de Marrakech tomorrow, in the third quarter-final match of the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals. Adil Boulbina netted the scorcher that ended the hopes of Leopards of DR Congo, and the Super Eagles must also beware of midfielders Ibrahim Maza and Hicham Boudaoui, as well as striker Anis Hadj-Moussa. Osimhen’s brace against Mozambique took him within three goals of Nigeria’s all-time record of 37 goals, and Lookman now has six AFCON goals, with his brace against Cameroon and strike against Angola in the knockout rounds of the last competition in Cote d’Ivoire. Paul Onuachu is galvanised by his strike against Uganda in the group phase turning out to be the 150th AFCON goal for Nigeria, and could play some part in Saturday’s duel. Thirty-eight years ago, Nigeria edged Algeria in a marathon penalty shootout after regulation and extra time ended 1-1, while Cameroon edged hosts Morocco to set up a Nigeria-Cameroon Final.

Ex-COAS gives colleague, media houses retraction deadlineFormer Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), has slammed a N1 billion defamation suit against another erstwhile military officer, Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi, before the Kaduna State High Court. The case, filed on January 8 at the Kaduna Judicial Division of the High Court, accused Ali-Keffi of making and circulating alleged false, malicious and defamatory statements linking Buratai to terrorism financing, Boko Haram suspects, and illegal release and concealment of terror suspects. In his statement of claim, Buratai described the allegations as entirely false, stressing that he has never been investigated, indicted or convicted for terrorism, terrorism financing or any related offence. No date has been fixed for the commencement of the hearing, and the defendant has not filed a response to the suit. THIS is even as an ex-COAS, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya (rtd), has given Keffi, management of Arise News and Sahara Reporters, a 72-hour ultimatum to withdraw allegations of terrorism financing against him or face legal action.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Boriowo Folasade, on Friday. The ministers explained that the policy prioritises the use of standardised, durable textbooks designed to last between four and six years, while expressly prohibiting the bundling of disposable workbooks with textbooks in schools. The statement quoted the ministers as saying, “Our goal is to ensure that education is both qualitative and affordable. “Nigerian students deserve instructional materials that meet international standards of quality and longevity,” the ministers emphasised. “This measure is expected to improve quality, reduce market saturation, and simplify textbook selection processes for schools and education authorities”, the ministers added.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has explained his decision to withdraw a defamation suit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and other pending legal actions, describing the move as a deliberate choice rooted in moral authority, faith, and the demands of legislative leadership. Speaking during the church service, the Senate President disclosed that he had instituted nearly nine defamation suits against individuals over statements he considered damaging to his reputation. Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife had also filed separate defamation suits against the Kogi Central senator, alleging that claims made against her husband had damaged the family’s reputation. Akpoti-Uduaghan had also approached the courts to challenge actions taken against her, including a ₦100bn defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and others over alleged remarks she said harmed her reputation. With Akpabio’s directive to his lawyers, all pending defamation suits instituted by him have now been formally withdrawn, effectively bringing closure to the highly publicised legal disputes as the new year begins.

FILE: The Chairman of Dangote Industries, Aliko Dangote and the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed. Recall that Dangote had earlier petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate Ahmed for allegedly spending $5 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland. Onoja, Dangote urged the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Ahmed, and to prosecute him if found culpable. The petition further stated that Dangote would provide evidence to substantiate claims of financial misconduct and impunity. Farouk Ahmed and to accordingly prosecute him if found wanting.”

Tata Motors is gearing up to launch the Punch facelift on 13 January 2026. The company has now revealed the colour options to be available on the new Punch. Tata Punch Facelift Colour OptionsTata will be offering six exterior colour schemes for the upcoming iteration of Punch. Tata Punch Facelift Variants & FeaturesTata Motors has also revealed that the Punch facelift will be offered in six broad variants namely Smart, Pure, Pure Plus, Adventure, Accomplished, and Accomplished Plus S. The company has also mentioned some of key variant-wise features to be available in the updated Punch. Also READ: Tata Punch Facelift Revealed Ahead of Jan 13 LaunchTata Punch Facelift PowertrainIn its facelifted avatar, the Tata Punch will be offered with two petrol engine options: a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated unit and a 1.2-litre turbocharged unit.

Ahead of its scheduled launch on January 13, Tata Motors has revealed yet another key detail about the Punch facelift after showing off the design and variant-wise feature list. However, this time around, the Cyantific is lighter and brighter than the Tornado Blue shade offered on the current Punch. Bengal RougeShared with the Sierra, the Bengal Rouge shade replaces the Calypso Red and brings a more vibrant feel to the Punch facelift. Coorg CloudsTata could not have missed the silver hue on the Punch facelift; the Coorg Clouds shade is exactly that. ZigSays…Some new, some old, the facelifted Punch’s colour options are a blend of practicality, familiarity, and some distinct bright shades for added freshness.

Ahead of its official launch on 13th January, the new 2026 Tata Punch facelift has started arriving at dealerships across the countr. adsNew 2026 Tata Punch Colour OptionsBuyers will have six colour options to choose from including Cyantific Blue, Coorg Clouds, Bengal Rouge (Red), Caramel (Yellow), Daytona Grey and Pristine White. The existing 1.2L petrol and 1.2L petrol with CNG powertrains will also be carried forward. New 2026 Tata Punch More FeaturesTata has also upgraded the interior with several new features including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 7-inch digital driver’s display. New 2026 Tata Punch Safety FeaturesThe standard safety kit of the new Tata Punch consists of six airbags, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring system and Isofix child seat anchorages.

Tata Motors has shared variant-specific information for the upcoming Tata Punch facelift ahead of its India launch. The updated model introduces revised feature levels, clearer differences between trims and a few segment-first additions, while continuing with the same compact design and existing powertrain options. With details of what each variant offers now available, buyers get a clearer sense of the Punch’s positioning across price brackets. Here’s a closer look at the variants, key features and the updates confirmed so far.

The victim, identified as Chigbo Princess Mediatrix, a prominent legal practitioner and rights advocate, was abducted and killed, with her body dumped along a roadside in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Her body was discovered along the Kubwa Expressway, near Dawaki, opposite Gwarimpa Estate, by a commuter on the way to work. The lawyer’s death came barely days after the body of a nurse with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, was found by the roadside. It is a searing indictment of the growing insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory, a city that ought to represent safety, order, and the rule of law. FIDA Abuja also vowed to continue advocacy and, if necessary, take legal action to ensure accountability, saying: “We honour our fallen colleague not with silence but with resolve.

Ahead of its 13th January launch, units of Tata Punch facelift CNG have started to reach showrooms. Tata Punch Facelift ColoursPunch facelift will probably be one of the most important car launches of 2026 owing to its sales perspectives and volume projection. Tata Motors will launch Punch facelift on 13th January, 2026, in Mumbai. Punch Facelift Reach ShowroomsPunch facelift gets design revisions concentrated around the fascia, new wheels along with new lighting elements and redesigned bumpers. New InteriorsOn the inside, Tata Punch facelift comes with a new twin-spoke steering wheel with illuminated Tata logo.

Separately, petrol station workers opposed plans by AA Rano to introduce what it described as Nigeria’s first fully automated and unmanned fuel stations. However, the government said the funds had been released and were expected to reflect in the players’ domiciliary accounts on Friday. Elsewhere, a Canada-based Nigerian was shot and killed inside a bus at the Yorkdale GO Bus Terminal in Toronto. Petrol station workers oppose AA Rano’s unmanned fuel stationsPetrol station workers, under the aegis of the Concerned Petrol Station Workers, have opposed plans by AA Rano to introduce “Nigeria’s first” fully automated and unmanned fuel stations. Finance ministry confirms release of Super Eagles’ bonuses for AFCONThe Federal Government says all group-stage bonuses due to Super Eagles players at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations have been released and are expected to reflect in the players’ domiciliary accounts within hours.

Benfica coach, Jose Mourinho, kept his players at the club’s training ground after their 3-1 defeat by Braga in the Portuguese League Cup semi-finals, saying he wanted them to reflect on the loss rather than rest. The defeat denied Benfica a place in the final and extended a frustrating run under the Portuguese manager. “The players will sleep in Seixal, and on Thursday there is training, and the day after there’s training,” Mourinho said. I hope the players sleep as well as I do, which is to say that they don’t sleep at all,” he said. The League Cup exit is a setback as Benfica prepare for a key league match against rivals Porto next week.