Benin:The US imposed partial restrictions due to Benin’s B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 12.34 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 36.77 percent. Gabon:Gabon was listed due to its B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 8.47 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 19.09 percent. Malawi:According to the Overstay Report, Malawi recorded a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 22.45 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 31.99 percent. It also noted that Nigerian nationals had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 5.56 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 11.90 percent. Zimbabwe:Zimbabwe’s B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate was 7.89 percent, with F, M and J visa overstays reaching 15.15 percent.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Federal Government to recommit itself to the protection of lives and property, insisting that 2026 must mark a decisive shift towards people-centred governance. The opposition party urged the government to act without delay, warning that the new year must not become “another chapter of broken promises,” but a turning point defined by decisive leadership and accountability. According to the PDP, the interests of Nigerians, rather than partisan calculations or political survival, should guide every action of government. The party also called on key democratic institutions, including the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, to uphold their constitutional responsibilities without succumbing to pressure, inducement or fear. It assured Nigerians that it would continue to speak truth to power, hold the government accountable and stand with the people until governance truly reflects their will, welfare, and aspirations.

Anthony Joshua was released from a hospital in Nigeria on Wednesday, two days after the former two-time heavyweight champion survived a fatal car crash that killed two of his friends and team members in Lagos. The driver, who was hired for the team’s trip in Nigeria, the homeland of Joshua’s parents, has also been discharged from the hospital. Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps said that the driver was speeding and lost control “during an overtaking maneuver” on the congested Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Nigeria recorded 5,421 deaths in 9,570 road accidents in 2024, according to data by the country's Federal Road Safety Corps. But all of those plans are now in doubt as Joshua physically and mentally recovers from the life-altering incident.

A fire outbreak has razed the popular Moore Pharmaceutical Store and several other shops in the Michelin area of Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, January 1, 2026, along Hamaruwa Way, where the affected shops were located within the same building. A staff member of Moore Pharmaceutical Store confirmed that no drugs or medical supplies were salvaged from the premises, saying the building was completely consumed by the fire. Although no casualties were recorded, shop owners affected by the incident described it as devastating and appealed to the Taraba State Government, as well as well-meaning individuals and organisations, for urgent assistance to help them rebuild their businesses. Some of the traders disclosed that they had taken loans to stock their shops, warning that without timely intervention, they could face serious financial hardship.

The Nigeria Police Force has suspended the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy nationwide following an interim order of court restraining the move. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, restraining it from proceeding with the enforcement pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the vacation of the order. The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force was served with an interim order of court in Suit No. According to the statement, the suspension of enforcement is in strict compliance with the subsisting court order. “Accordingly, and strictly in compliance with the subsisting court order, the Nigeria Police Force has placed the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy on hold nationwide, pending the decision of the court,” the police stated.

While soldiers threatened to beat up reporters of The Guardian, Eniola Daniel, and Punch, Dayo Oyewo, the soldiers seized the camera of African Independent Television (AIT) and sent others away. An officer of the Nigerian Army, Gaktong G. J., armed with a cane, threatened to flog journalists who were at the scene to report. He shouted that nobody invited journalists to the scene and that he had the right to do anything. While reporters were trying to explain further, he invited other soldiers to send them out of the area. “Unfortunately, there was no water in the Arena Market, and it contributed to the spread of the fire.

One person has been confirmed dead, while several others sustained injuries in a road accident on the Oshodi–Isolo Expressway in Lagos. The accident occurred at 6:10 am on Wednesday when a Siena car rammed into a passenger bus. “One person died, with many others injured, but the driver of the Siena did not sustain any injury. The injured victims have been rushed to the hospital,” an LNSC official said. The driver of the passenger bus explained that he was attempting to change a tyre when the Siena car hit the bus from behind.

FG to intensify security operations, decentralised policing, inclusive growth agendaOn security, the President said economic progress must be matched by peace and stability, acknowledging ongoing threats from criminal and terrorist groups. Tinubu said security and intelligence agencies would deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026 to eliminate threats to national security. The President also prayed for the safety of Nigeria’s troops and the defeat of those threatening national peace, security and stability. From tax reforms to electoral and constitutional adjustments, the groundwork has been laid for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria,” Bamidele said. Addressing national security, the Senate Leader said public hearings for the National Security Summit had been concluded across the six geopolitical zones.

Similarly, former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, urged Nigerians to demand responsive and accountable leadership as part of efforts to achieve a national turning point in 2026. Also, former President Goodluck Jonathan said citizens and leaders must match patriotism with a renewed sense of duty as Nigeria enters 2026. “A united Nigeria just needs peace and proper coordination to rise and fulfil its manifest destiny as a global leader. That is why all Nigerians, young and old, should avoid any drift towards issues that could threaten the country’s unity. He stressed that meaningful progress would only be possible if Nigerians collectively insist on leadership that is responsible, transparent and people-oriented.

• Blaze destroys 20 shops as traders allege lack of waterIt was a shattered dream for traders at the popular Nigerian Army Shopping Complex, Bolade-Oshodi, also known as Arena, after a section of the market was engulfed in fire. The Arena fire occurred eight days after a train collision in the same area, where a driver and others narrowly escaped death. The incident also came as fire continued to damage what remains of the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance Company building on Martins Street, Lagos Island. “Unfortunately, there was no water in Arena Market, and that contributed to the spread. The inferno at the Great Nigeria Insurance Company building broke out at about 6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, December 25, 2025.

Wike disclosed this yesterday during a “thank-you visit” to Tai Local Council Area of Rivers State. Tinubu had, in June, brokered a peace deal between Wike and Fubara in a bid to resolve the protracted political crisis in the state and restore stability. “Very soon, we will let the people of Rivers State know what we agreed on before the President,” Wike said. Wike made this assertion during a “thank-you visit” to Eleme Local Council Area of Rivers State, saying the resolve was firm and non-negotiable. However, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly reportedly rejected the bonus and returned the funds, describing the payment as unsolicited.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has resigned as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This is contained in a letter dated Dec. 30, 2025, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Ampang West Ward, Mangu Local Government Area of the state. The letter, personally signed by the governor, was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Jos. The governor, who thanked the PDP for providing him with a platform to participate in the democratic process, also thanked leaders of the party at all levels for their support and solidarity. Nigeria is looted into poverty,” Obi said.

This handout photo released by Russia-appointed governor of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, shows the site of a drone attack on a hotel in Khroly on January 1, 2026. (Photo by The Governor of Kherson region Vladimir Saldo / AFP)Russia on Thursday said Kyiv was behind a deadly drone strike on a hotel in the Moscow-held part of Ukraine’s southern Kherson region that killed at least 20 people celebrating the New Year. According to a Russia-appointed governor of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, “the enemy” fired three drones that “struck a cafe and hotel on the Black Sea coast in Khorly” where “civilians were celebrating the New Year”. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of carrying out a “terrorist” attack against the civilian population. An AFP analysis based on Ukrainian air force data showed a slight fall in overnight Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine in December.

Anthony Joshua is helped out of his Lexus SUV following a crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Monday. The Ogun State Police Command on Thursday confirmed the arrest of the driver of the ill-fated Lexus SUV conveying the World boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, and two of his close friends before it crashed on Monday around Danco, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. “The driver of the Lexus SUV in connection with the Anthony Joshua accident case is currently in custody. The Lagos and Ogun state governments, however, on Wednesday, announced the discharge of Anthony Joshua from the hospital following the tragic road accident. The two state governments once again commiserated with the families of the deceased, describing the incident as painful and deeply unfortunate.

After 36 matches spread across six groups, the 16 survivors from 24 hopefuls clash in eight second-round matches over four days. Fit-again Hakimi is set to lead title favourites Morocco against Tanzania, Salah will captain Egypt against Benin, and Osimhen-inspired Nigeria tackle Mozambique. Morocco v TanzaniaA mismatch on paper as Morocco, whose only previous title came 50 years ago, are 101 places above Tanzania in the world rankings. South Africa v CameroonSouth Africa debuted in the AFCON 30 years ago by hammering Cameroon 3-0 in Johannesburg. Nigeria v MozambiqueLivewire Osimhen is a huge aerial threat and could have scored hat-tricks against Tanzania and Tunisia in Group C, but managed just one goal.