The Kogi State Police Command has said that scores of bandits were neutralised and their networks dismantled during a fresh security operation, although the exact location of the exercise was not disclosed. “The ongoing onslaught against bandit operations in Kogi State by the joint police and military has yielded fruitful results. The statement further appealed to residents to support the ongoing operations by providing credible information about criminal elements within their neighbourhoods. PUNCH Metro reports that suspected bandits have intensified criminal activities in several parts of Kogi State in recent months. Only on Saturday, residents of Zango in Lokoja reported sporadic gunshots, after which four members of the same family were kidnapped.

January 12, 2026 11:37 UTC

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran’s leadership had called him seeking “to negotiate” after he repeatedly threatened to intervene militarily if Tehran killed protesters. As reports emerge of a growing protest death toll, and images show bodies piled outside a morgue, Trump said Tehran indicated its willingness to talk. Those that do open must close at around 4:00 or 5:00 pm, when security forces deploy en masse. He later urged Iran’s security forces and government workers to join the demonstrators. He also urged protesters to replace the flags outside of Iranian embassies.

January 12, 2026 11:37 UTC

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI during operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists across Borno State. | Credit: ArmyEleven terrorists fighters have surrendered to troops of operation Hadin Kai, as soldiers killed eight others and arrested two insurgent’s logistics supplier in Borno State. This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Media Information Officer Joint Task Force Northeast Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sani Uba. The statement read, “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have sustained intense offensive operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists across Borno State, recording notable successes in clearance, fighting patrols and blocking operations. “During the operation, troops dismantled life-support structures, degraded terrorist logistics and recovered items including terrorist flags and weapons as well as magazines” it noted.

January 12, 2026 11:35 UTC

SynopsisTata Motors is set to launch the facelifted 2026 Tata Punch on January 13, introducing significant exterior and interior updates, new features, and an additional turbo-petrol engine option. The micro-SUV will feature a streamlined variant lineup and refreshed styling inspired by the Punch EV, enhancing its appeal in the Indian market.

January 12, 2026 11:27 UTC

Tata Motors is gearing up to launch the updated Tata Punch Facelift in India on January 13. With the launch slotted for tomorrow, here's what we know so far about the 2026 Tata Punch Facelift. Tata Punch Facelift: New ColoursThe Tata Punch facelift will arrive with a refreshed palette of colours, adding more vibrancy to the compact SUV. Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift Launching On January 13 With These ChangesTata Punch Facelift: Interior And FeaturesThe Tata Punch facelift's interior has been significantly updated to feel more modern and premium. Tata Punch Facelift InteriorTata Punch Facelift: VariantsTata has confirmed the trim lineup for the Punch facelift, which will be offered in six variants.

January 12, 2026 11:05 UTC





Lagos State Government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into allegations of medical negligence surrounding the death of Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, the 21-month-old son of renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie, who reportedly died at a private hospital in Lagos. This was as a medical expert, Dr Anthea Esege-Nwandu, disagreed with the claims by Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital’s statement released on Saturday, while accusing the hospital of negligence. The government condoled the author and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, describing the loss of a child as a devastating tragedy. “The Lagos State Government places the highest premium on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the state,” the statement reads. The government said the agency would conduct an extensive review of all allegations, medical records and reports connected to the case.

January 12, 2026 10:49 UTC

Manchester United are expected to accelerate the process of appointing a new interim head coach, with a final decision looming between Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following face-to-face talks with the club’s hierarchy. The aim is to appoint an interim head coach as soon as possible to allow the new man sufficient time to prepare the squad for Saturday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Speaking after United’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat by Brighton, Fletcher said he will report to the Carrington Training Centre on Monday to discuss his next role within the club. United’s defeat to Brighton compounded a difficult period, with the club now knocked out of both domestic cup competitions. As a result, the Premier League is their sole remaining focus for the rest of the season.

January 12, 2026 10:35 UTC

Tata Motors is all geared up to launch the Punch facelift tomorrow. Tata Punch Facelift: Expected DesignTata has revealed the design of the Punch facelift in its entirety. The Punch facelift also debuts new alloy wheel designs, enhancing its upmarket appeal. Tata Punch Facelift: Expected Interiors & FeaturesAs revealed in the teasers, the cabin of the Tata Punch facelift will get revised elements borrowing cues from the bigger Nexon and Altroz models. Tata Punch Facelift: Expected PriceThe current Tata Punch is priced between ₹5.50 lakh and ₹9.30 lakh, (both ex-showroom).

January 12, 2026 10:27 UTC

Tata Motors is set to launch the 2026 Punch facelift in India tomorrow. Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift Revealed Ahead Of January 13 LaunchStylingThe update brings the internal combustion Punch’s design in line with its siblings. Also read: Tata Punch Facelift Variants, Key Features RevealedThe rear design, meanwhile, also gets a new look with a connected tail lamp set up in place of the older car’s small tri-arrow pattern tail lamps. Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift To Get Turbo-Petrol Engine OptionPowertrainOn the powertrain front, the Punch will get the option for a turbocharged petrol engine for the first time ever. Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift Teased Ahead Of Launch On January 13PriceExpect Tata to hike prices of the Punch following the update.

January 12, 2026 09:52 UTC

With the launch scheduled for tomorrow, here are the top five things you need to know about the 2026 Punch facelift. 2026 Tata Punch Facelift: Exterior DesignThe 2026 Tata Punch facelift features noticeable styling updates while retaining its familiar boxy shape. 2026 Tata Punch Facelift: Interior UpdatesInside, the Tata Punch facelift brings a series of updates. 2026 Tata Punch Facelift: Feature AdditionsNew features on the 2026 Punch include an updated 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, a 360-degree camera system and hill descent control. 2026 Tata Punch Facelift: Engine OptionsTata will offer the 2026 Punch with a new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, alongside the existing 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.

January 12, 2026 09:11 UTC

India’s most affordable sub-4 metre SUV (or compact crossover), the Tata Punch, is set to receive a midlife update tomorrow – i.e. The new Tata Punch 2026 facelift will come in six trims including Smart (new entry-level), Pure, Pure+, Adventure, Accomplished and Accomplished+. adsAlso Read: 55% Buyers Choose Tata Sierra Diesel Over PetrolPrice PredictionWhile official prices will be announced tomorrow, the 2026 Tata Punch facelift is expected to cost slightly higher than the pre-facelift model, which is currently priced between Rs 5.50 lakh – Rs 9.30 lakh (ex-showroom). Meanwhile, the top-end variant of the new Punch is expected to cost nearly Rs 9.50 lakh. The new Tata Punch 2026 facelift will be offered with a new 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

January 12, 2026 08:57 UTC

Ahead of its official launch on January 13, here’s a quick look at everything you need to know about the new Tata Punch. Exterior Design: Sharper And More ModernThe updated Tata Punch draws design inspiration from the Punch EV and the Altroz facelift, while retaining its familiar upright stance. 2026 Tata Punch Facelift: Features And Safety: Big Focus On TechThe 2026 Punch adds several new features over the outgoing model, addressing areas buyers had been asking for. Expected Price And RivalsThe outgoing Tata Punch is currently priced between Rs 5.50 lakh and Rs 9.30 lakh (ex-showroom). ZigSays…The Punch facelift addresses some of the key gaps in the outgoing model, especially in terms of features and engine options.

January 12, 2026 08:55 UTC

I still tell women’s stories and produce health programmes for BBC Persian reaching Afghan women, who have lost access to care. Her courage reminds me that Afghan women are unbreakable. I worked for Bakhtar news agency, Voice of Afghan Women Radio and for government publications. Many Afghan women I know here have left abusive husbands because they understand they are free. I volunteer with the Refugee Council helping newly arrived Afghan women find friendship and confidence.

January 12, 2026 08:31 UTC

Price stability has become the first casualty of Nigeria’s new tax template, not because the reform imposes a new burden, but because fear and unaddressed misinterpretation have raced ahead the curve, turning uncertainty and anxiety into higher prices, ISAAC CHIBUIFE reports. Across Nigeria’s commercial landscape, traders and service providers have seized the tax reforms as justification for price increases that bear little relation to their actual tax obligations. A visit by The Guardian to some places in Lagos showed that price increases have come in the form of value-added tax (VAT) charges. Another X user, simply identified as Dioslev, expressed alarm over vendors demanding an additional 10 per cent VAT on purchases, warning of economic collapse. In upscale establishments, diners have reported surcharges running into tens of thousands of naira, with one viral video showing a restaurant bill inflated by N23,000 under the guise of “new government tax policy”.

January 12, 2026 07:00 UTC

Meanwhile, the National Publicity Secretary of ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, has dismissed insinuations that he was holding a place for the former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, in the party. Okechukwu cast aspersions on Atiku over what he described as the former Vice President’s alleged breach of the rotational presidency convention, blaming him for laying the foundation for the present instability within Nigeria’s democracy and opposition politics. ADC stated that it was working on its official registration and verification platform, which would be formally announced through verified channels in due course. The statement reads: “ADC wishes to inform the general public, party members, and supporters that a series of fraudulent online links, website and social media handles are being circulated, falsely claiming to be the official ADC membership registration platform. “There is no official ADC registration link or website open at the moment.

January 12, 2026 06:20 UTC