Japan approves record $782bn defence budget as China row rises
The Japanese government approved a record budget for the upcoming fiscal year on Friday, to pay for everything from bigger defence spending to ballooning social security costs as inflation persists. – Market worries –The expanding budget also arrives as the market worries about Takaichi’s big spending policies adding to Japan’s public debts. The 122-trillion-yen figure compares with the 115 trillion yen sought for the current fiscal year to March, which was also a record. Some observers have drawn comparisons to the United Kingdom’s 2022 bond market turmoil under then-premier Liz Truss. Kiuchi noted that, under Takaichi, the extra budget quickly ballooned, reaching $18 trillion yen.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 11:11 UTC
Nigeria provided US with intelligence for strikes on Islamist militants, says foreign minister – as it happened
From 9h ago 11.00 GMT Nigeria provided US with intelligence for strikes on militants, foreign minister says Nigeria provided the US with intelligence on jihadists before the strikes that took place in the country on Christmas Day, its foreign ministry said on Friday. West Virginia congressman Riley Moore wrote on X: “President Trump has been clear that the killing of Christians in Nigeria must end. Last month, Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the characterisation of Nigeria as a religiously intolerant country did not reflect reality. “We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level - with President Trump in the near future. We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level – with President Trump in the near future.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 11:05 UTC
Police arrest Yoruba nation agitators in Ogun for assault
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested eight suspects over an alleged breach of public peace, unlawful assembly, obstruction of traffic and assault on police officers following a disturbance linked to the Democratic Republic of the Yoruba group in parts of Sango-Ota. “Upon receiving the report, police operatives swiftly mobilised to the affected locations, successfully dispersed the group, and arrested the following suspects: Adewale Sosanya, ‘M’ aged 48; Opeyemi Oladotun, ‘M’ aged 31; Zara Gabriel, ‘F’ aged 22; Ajoke Gabriel, ‘F’ aged 19; Adewale Adebomojo, ‘F’ aged 48; Yusuf Tanimowo, ‘M’ aged 40; Olurotimi Ademola, ‘M’ aged 52; and Toyin Gabriel, ‘F’ aged 40,” it read. The police spokesperson further disclosed that several items were recovered from the suspects during the operation. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across Ogun State. The CP warned that the police would not tolerate any actions capable of breaching public peace, stressing that attacks on law enforcement officers would be met with firm and decisive measures.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 10:57 UTC
US airstrikes in Nigeria to stop Christian killings
US Congressman, Riley Moore, has hailed recent airstrikes in North West Nigeria as a decisive move to protect Christian communities and tackle the ongoing security crisis in the country. “As I stated at the outset: Do not test President Trump‘s resolve in this matter,” the congressman added. The comments came after reports that US forces, under President Donald Trump’s direction, carried out airstrikes against ISIS-linked terrorist elements in North West Nigeria. “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end. Moore recently concluded a fact-finding mission in Nigeria to investigate alleged attacks on Christian communities, describing the experience as deeply disturbing.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 10:56 UTC
Amorim blocks Man United January transfer departures
Manchester United's Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 5, 2025. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP)Man United Coach, Ruben Amorim, has made it clear he is unwilling to sanction any player departures during the January transfer window unless suitable replacements are brought in, insisting his squad is already stretched too thin. However, Amorim believes allowing players to leave without reinforcements would leave the squad unable to cope with injuries and the demands of competing at the highest level. “It’s going to be hard for someone to leave the club if we don’t get a substitution,” Amorim said. With injuries continuing to disrupt his plans and expectations remaining high, Amorim appears determined to prioritise stability over transfer movement as United head into a crucial period of the season.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 10:56 UTC
AFCON 2025: Nigeria, Tunisia renew rivalry in Group C clash in Fès
Nigeria's head coach Eric Chelle reacts during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group C football match between Nigeria and Tanzania at Fez Stadium in Fes on December 23, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles in a pivotal Group C match at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Fès, Morocco, on Saturday, 27 December 2025. Historically, Nigeria and Tunisia have faced each other 21 times, with Tunisia winning seven, Nigeria six, and eight matches drawn. Notable past fixtures include Nigeria’s 4–2 victory in the 2000 AFCON group stage and Tunisia’s penalty shootout win in the 2004 semi-finals. With both teams in strong form and historical rivalry adding intensity, the Group C match in Fès promises to be a contest that could shape the trajectory of Nigeria and Tunisia in AFCON 2025.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 10:53 UTC
Why the Lagos Island Building Fire Was Hard to Contain
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has explained why the fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, took several hours to contain. PUNCH Online reports that the fire started in the 25-storey building around 5 p.m. on Wednesday and continued into Thursday despite the early deployment of firefighting crews. Adeseye explained that the affected buildings were predominantly warehouses with poor storage arrangements, containing highly combustible materials that fuelled the fire’s rapid spread and complicated suppression efforts. The statement read, “The affected buildings are predominantly warehouses with poor storage practices involving highly combustible materials, which facilitated rapid fire spread and complicated suppression efforts. “So far, five adjoining buildings have been affected — two partially and three severely — including the old Lagos Central Mosque,” the statement said.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 10:09 UTC
Shehu Sani on US Airstrikes in Nigeria: A Cautious Welcome
Former senator Shehu Sani has described the reported military airstrikes on terrorist targets in North West Nigeria as a “conscionable action,” while stressing that Nigeria must ultimately take responsibility for its own security. Sani reacted in a statement shared via his verified X handle on Friday, following comments by United States President, Donald Trump, who said on Thursday that US forces had carried out deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria. The former lawmaker also rejected claims that terrorist violence in Nigeria targets only one religious group, describing such narratives as misleading. “The narrative that the evil terrorists only target one faith remains absolutely false and misleading,” Sani stated. “Again, the ultimate security and peace in our country lies with ourselves and not with the US or any foreign power,” he said.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 10:09 UTC
Zelensky to Meet Trump Amid Renewed Ukraine Peace Talks
This image grab from a video filmed on December 23, 2025 and provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Office shows Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky addressing in Kyiv. (Photo by Handout / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE / AFP)Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he plans to meet United States President Donald Trump in the near future as part of renewed efforts to bring an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We have agreed on a meeting at the highest level – with President Trump in the near future. According to Zelensky, the proposal includes freezing the current frontline and dropping a requirement that Kyiv formally renounce its bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. The Kremlin has not commented in detail on the new proposal, saying only that it was reviewing it.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 10:01 UTC
Soludo's son clears medical bills for patients in Anambra
Chinua Soludo with one of the patients after paying her hospital bill. So we should always express our love and care towards their welfare.”Soludo’s outreach at St. Joseph Hospital impacted more than five patients whose bills were cleared. At the Nnobi General Hospital, a patient who had been treated for acute malaria was billed over N120,000. In Ekwulobia, Soludo extended his Christmas hospital outreach to Ekwulobia General Hospital, where almost 10 women were assisted with their bills and transportation fare, in the spirit of the season. Around this time last year, Soludo was at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Awka, on a similar outreach and cleared the hospital bills of tens of patients.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 09:46 UTC
Coleman MD projects manufacturing growth in 2026
The Managing Director of Coleman Technical Industries Limited, George Onafowokan, has projected that the relative macroeconomic stability will lead to sustained growth in the manufacturing sector in 2026. While assessing the transition from the current year to 2026, the Coleman boss described 2025 as a period of recovery, during which the industry found its footing despite significant headwinds. The Coleman MD identified the 2026 budget’s focus on capital expenditure, infrastructure, and security as the primary drivers of his positive projections. Onafowokan argued that these investments, combined with renewed foreign direct investment and stable exchange rates, will determine the success of the 2026 fiscal year. Addressing the new tax laws set to take effect in January 2026, Onafowokan urged the government to clear the air regarding misinformation that currently clouds the reforms.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 09:46 UTC
Banks Warn Customers Against Rising Holiday Frauds
Banks have warned their customers to be wary of fraudulent activities during the seasonal festivities. Warning bank customers against falling for the tricks of the fraudsters, FirstBank, in an email to its customers, said it has observed new fraud trends. Advising its customers to stay safe, the bank said, “Never share your OTP, PIN or account details, not even with someone claiming to help you. Report suspicious activity immediately to [email protected].”Stanbic IBTC Bank, in a social media post, warned its customers to “Stay cyber-safe this festive season. Keep your account safe this season by staying alert to scammers.” Seeking collaboration with its customers, the bank said, “Help us fight fraud.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 09:46 UTC
Police foil Benue kidnap attempt, rescue victim
The Benue State Police Command successfully foiled a kidnap attempt on Christmas Day and rescued one Geoffrey Akume. “Upon receipt of the distress information, operatives of the Benue State Police Command swiftly swung into action and commenced intensive patrols and a coordinated search of the area. “On sighting the police team and hearing the sirens, the perpetrators abandoned the victim and fled into the forest. “The police patrol team successfully rescued the victim who escaped from the fleeing kidnappers, unhurt and with no ransom paid. “He was subsequently taken to Abinse Police Station, where the Benue State Commissioner of Police debriefed him and later reunited him with his family,” she said.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 09:44 UTC
Trump: US launches deadly strikes on terrorists in Nigeria
(Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)United States President Donald Trump said on Thursday that US forces conducted deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria, and vowed more attacks if the militants keep killing Christians. The president stated this on his Truth Social platform, adding that the Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes. “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing. Last week, the Trump administration recalled more than two dozen ambassadors from posts around the world, including Nigeria and several other African countries, appointed by former President Joe Biden. Since taking office in January, Trump has conducted military strikes in Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Syria, the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 09:43 UTC
US Strike in Nigeria: Govt Gave Intel & Approved Operation
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has said Nigeria provided the intelligence that led to the United States’ airstrike on terrorist targets in the country and formally approved the operation before it was carried out. According to the minister, the operation was the outcome of ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States and was not motivated by religious considerations. I was on the phone yesterday for 19 minutes with Secretary of State Marco Rubio of the United States. “We spoke for 19 minutes before the strike, and then we spoke again for another five minutes before it went on,” he said. The US President, Donald Trump, on Thursday confirmed the US carried out an airstrike targeting suspected terrorist elements in Nigeria.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 09:32 UTC