2027 battle: Rivers crisis escalates as top APC govs back Fubara
Basiru, in a statement, asked the ex-Rivers State governor to resign his ministerial position and focus on what he described as his obsession with Rivers State politics. “I say it here, take this message to your National Secretary, leave Rivers State alone. Fubara’s switch effectively ended his long-standing ties with the PDP and positioned him as the APC’s leading figure in Rivers State. The letter was submitted through the party’s ward office at Bob-Manuel’s Compound, Abonnema, the council headquarters in Rivers State. He doesn’t own Rivers State, and he doesn’t own the people of Rivers State.
Source:Punch
January 06, 2026 09:09 UTC
2026 Tata Punch Facelift Revealed; Launch On Jan 13
In a surprising move, Tata Motors has unveiled the 2026 Punch facelift through official images ahead of its launch on January 13, 2026. 2026 Tata Punch – What’s New? ExteriorFor 2026, Tata Motors has updated the Punch with significant design changes, especially at the front & rear end. Towards the rear, the SUV gets a slightly revamped tailgate, along with new connected LED tail lamps and a restyled rear bumper. 2026 Tata Punch Price and RivalsTata will announce the prices of the Punch facelift on January 13, 2026.
Source:Punch
January 06, 2026 06:36 UTC
Kalu blasts Otti, says ‘gutter politics’ won’t win Abia
Kalu made the remarks while reacting to comments attributed to the Abia State governor, which he described as “vitriolic and desperate political attacks” aimed at undermining the growing influence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. In a statement issued by the Head of Media, Senator Kalu Media Office, Sunday Maduka, the senator accused the governor of resorting to personal insults rather than addressing the challenges facing Abia residents. According to Kalu, the comments reflected insecurity and fear over the increasing presence of the APC ahead of the 2027 polls. In doing these, I am fulfilling my duty to my party and the people of Abia State,” he stated. The senator urged Governor Otti to concentrate on addressing pressing issues such as healthcare delivery, youth unemployment and security, rather than engaging in political confrontations.
Source:The Guardian
January 06, 2026 06:27 UTC
Fans boo Osimhen after angry outburst at Lookman
Victor James Osimhen of Nigeria and Ademola Olajide Lookman of Nigeria gestures during the AFCON Group C match between Mozambique and Nigeria at Fes stadium, Fes, Morocco on January 5, 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto)Nigerian football fans have criticised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen for his angry outburst at teammate Ademola Lookman during Monday’s 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Lookman had already created two chances for Osimhen at that point, with one being a direct assist and the other coming through Akor Adams. The incident sparked widespread criticism on social media platform X, with fans questioning Osimhen’s attitude despite the team’s dominant performance. Social media influencer Emma Ik Umeh (@emmaikumeh) wrote, “Victor Osimhen had a quarrel with his teammate Lookman.
Source:Punch
January 06, 2026 06:01 UTC
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Tata Punch Facelift Revealed Ahead Of India Launch on January 13
-The new Tata Punch Facelift is set to go on sale on January 13. Tata Motors has unveiled the Punch Facelift ahead of its launch in India on January 13, 2026. Here’s everything you need to know about the changes in the Tata Punch Facelift. Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift to Get Turbo-Petrol Engine Option: Here's What to ExpectInside, the Tata Punch Facelift has also seen an array of thoughtful updates. Tata Punch Facelift: EngineThe Punch i-Turbo will likely use the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine sourced from the Altroz Racer.
Source:Punch
January 06, 2026 05:14 UTC
Troops arrest eight suspects, seize fuel in Adamawa anti-terror operations
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have arrested eight suspected members of a suicide bombing network and intercepted a large cache of suspected terrorist logistics during separate operations in Adamawa State. According to the military, OPHK troops conducted a coordinated operation in the Yan Lemo area of Mubi South Local Government Area in the early hours of January 5, 2026, after sustained surveillance of identified locations. All suspects remain in military custody and are undergoing interrogation to aid further intelligence gathering before being handed over for continued investigation. In a related operation on January 4, 2026, OPHK troops intercepted a consignment of suspected terrorists’ logistics in Mayo Nguli, Maiha Local Government Area. No casualties were recorded during the operation, and the seized items are now in military custody pending further action.
Source:The Guardian
January 06, 2026 05:08 UTC
Kidnappers kill victim, hold on to elder brother in Edo
Kidnappers who abducted two brothers on January 2 at their residence along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, Estako Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, have killed the younger one amongst the victims. He noted that the corpse was discovered on Monday morning and was buried the same day according to Islamic rites. The elder brother is still with the kidnappers. The elder brother, who happens to be a medical doctor, is still with the kidnappers. Ibrahim was abducted along with his brother while they were trying to enter their compound, and they were taken into the bush.
Source:The Guardian
January 06, 2026 03:15 UTC
2026 Tata Punch Facelift Exterior And Interior FULLY REVEALED! Exterior, Interior, Features, Powertrain, Safety, Expected Price, And Rivals Explained
Tata Motors has fully revealed the exterior and interior of the Punch facelift, ahead of its launch on 13 January. As we await the full details, this is what the latest show:2026 Tata Punch Facelift: ExteriorFrom the pictures released today, we can see that the Punch has undergone a major makeover for its exterior design. 2026 Tata Punch Facelift: InteriorInside the Punch facelift, we get to see a dual-tone light blue-charcoal upholstery, along with a new dashboard with a white insert, also from the Punch EV. 2026 Tata Punch Facelift: Features And SafetyNow that we have a closer look at the Punch facelift, we can confirm that it will get features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with a new user interface and a fully-digital instrument cluster (shared with the Altroz). While we await the official launch, we expect the Punch facelift to be priced between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).
Source:Punch
January 06, 2026 02:05 UTC
Joshua may quit boxing after car crash — Uncle
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is seriously considering retirement from boxing, according to his uncle, Adedamola Joshua, who exclusively told our correspondent, The PUNCH reports. The pair had travelled to Nigeria with Joshua to visit his family when tragedy struck. Joshua attended an emotional funeral service at the London Central Mosque on Sunday, joining other mourners to pay his respects. One of the indigenes in Sagamu, Adeniji Taiwo, expressed relief that Joshua survived the crash while mourning the loss of the two friends. He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
Source:Punch
January 06, 2026 01:35 UTC
2026 budget to strengthen economy, boost jobs, infrastructure – FG
President Tinubu had on December 19, 2025, presented the N58.18 trillion budget, themed “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” to a joint sitting of the National Assembly. Key allocations include N5.41tn for defence and security, N3.56tn for infrastructure, N3.52tn for education, and N2.48tn for health. The budget also provides N26.08tn for capital expenditure, N15.25tn for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, and N15.52tn for debt servicing. During the presentation, the President vowed that 2026 would mark a decisive shift toward stronger discipline in budget execution and results-driven governance. Describing the proposed 2026 appropriation as strategic, the minister said:“Our ‘Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity’ is critical.
Source:Punch
January 06, 2026 00:16 UTC
Death toll in Yobe boat accident rises to 29
The death toll in the capsized boat carrying 52 passengers has risen to 29 after two days of “search and rescue” operations along the Yobe/Kumadugu River in Yobe State. The boat was sailing from Adayini town in Jigawa State to the Guri community of Nguru Local Council Area of Yobe State. Speaking on Monday in Nguru on the outcomes of the search and rescue operations, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mohammed Goje, revealed that the death toll in the Saturday boat mishap along the river has risen from 25 to 29. “Henceforth, no boats or canoes will be allowed to operate once it is 6:00 p.m. daily,” adding that the Saturday boat mishap that killed about 30 passengers and sailors was attributed to overloading and poor visibility on the waterways. “It has become state policy for boat operators to have and strictly wear life-saving jackets while on board any canoe or boat in the state,” declared Goje in Nguru.
Source:The Guardian
January 05, 2026 23:46 UTC
Afenifere frowns at attack on protesting women in Kwara
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Monday expressed serious concern over the rising cases of kidnapping across the country, even as it frowned at the reported attack on women protesting at the gate of the Kwara State Government House in Ilorin. The Kwara State Police spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident and said it was under investigation, while Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq also condemned the attack. Afenifere condemned the assault on the protesters, noting that they were unarmed and posed no threat. In a statement, Mr David Ampitan, spokesman for Ayetoro-Kiri community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, alleged that protesters were tear-gassed. Afenifere recalled several recent security incidents, including the December 2025 attack on Ayetoro-Kiri community, the abduction of nine persons in Adanla, a suburb of Igbaja in Kwara State, and the bombing of a police station in Ipele, Ondo State, on New Year’s Eve.
Source:The Guardian
January 05, 2026 23:46 UTC
Osun NLC condemns arrest of LG workers
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Osun State, Christopher Arapasopo, on Monday demanded an immediate end to what he described as the serial arrest of workers within the premises of local government secretariats across the state. Although the Osun State Police Command did not confirm the arrest of any staff, sources within the All Progressives Congress in the state said between two and three local government workers were apprehended while allegedly attempting to smuggle documents out of council secretariats. Pictures and videos purportedly showing the arrested workers alongside documents allegedly found in their possession were also circulated on social media on Monday. “The governor has done so much for labour and the people of Osun, and we will reciprocate appropriately. We will not run away from anybody.”Reacting, the Osun State Police Command neither confirmed nor denied the arrest of the workers.
Source:Punch
January 05, 2026 23:29 UTC
New Year’s tragedy: Soldier kills 13-year-old in Akwa Ibom
The incident occurred shortly after midnight along Akongntekong Road, Ete. The tragedy has plunged the Ukpum Ete community into mourning and renewed the national debate over the conduct of armed security personnel attached to private facilities. Moments later, the soldier allegedly fired his rifle, hitting the 13-year-old boy, who collapsed and died at the scene. The socio-cultural organisation of the area, Mboho Ukpum Ete, has condemned the killing in strong terms. “The President General of Mboho Ukpum Ete expresses deep dissatisfaction over the unprofessional conduct of the army personnel attached to Sterling Petrochemical,” the statement read.
Source:The Guardian
January 05, 2026 23:24 UTC
AFCON 2025: Salah seals last-16 victory for Egypt over Benin
(Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Captain Mohamed Salah scored after 124 minutes to clinch a 3-1 extra-time victory for Egypt over plucky minnows Benin in an Africa Cup of Nations last-16 thriller in Agadir on Monday. Record seven-time champions Egypt stay in Agadir to face title-holders Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso on Saturday in the quarter-finals. When Egypt threatened again soon after, centre-back Yohan Roche rescued Benin, clearing the ball as it was trickling toward the net. While Egypt had more possession in the opening half, Benin held their own and it took a superb sliding tackle from Hamdy Fathy to halt a Benin counterattack. Then, a parry from 37-year-old Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy prevented substitute Dossou giving Benin a shock lead.
Source:Punch
January 05, 2026 23:17 UTC