Major developments across diplomacy, security, justice, entertainment, sports and public finance dominated the headlines this afternoon, as the United States introduced a $15,000 visa bond for Nigerians, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted hefty bail to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami. Also, the Nigerian Police Foce foiled an attempted attack in Kaduna, AFCON 2025 quarter-final fixtures were confirmed. The PUNCH Online has compiled the top stories this afternoon below:US introduces $15,000 visa bond for Nigerians, othersThe United States has announced a $15,000 refundable visa bond for Nigerians and nationals of some other countries applying for B1/B2 visitor visas. The policy, aimed at curbing visa overstays, will take effect later this month(January). It requires selected applicants to post a bond based on individual risk assessments during the visa interview process.

The Punch facelift gets a new base-spec Smart variant, which makes a handful of higher-spec features more accessibleTata has revealed the updated variant-line up of the Punch facelift, which has already been revealed ahead of its launch on January 13. Here are the top features it comes with:Feature Note LED headlampsKeyless entryMulti-drive modes6 airbagsTyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) It's good to find LED headlamps, 6 airbags, keyless entry and TPMS as standard. Feature Note 15-Inch Styled WheelsAuto ACPush Button Start/Stop It adds quite a few elements for the upgrade over the Pure Plus. Auto HeadlampsRear Wiper And Washer360-Degree CameraBlind View MonitorRain-Sensing Wipers Notably, the Adventure trim brings in some key safety upgrades. Also, the extended thigh support is a new offering in the Punch facelift, keeping taller passengers in mind.

Tata Motors has officially unveiled the trim-wise feature list for the 2026 Punch facelift, ahead of its launch on January 13. This marks the most significant update to the ICE-powered Punch since its launch in 2021.advertisementSimplified lineup with six trimsThe earlier Punch was available in ten trims, but Tata has streamlined the structure to six: Smart, Pure, Pure+, Adventure, Accomplished and Accomplished+. Adventure: New tech features introducedThe Adventure trim is where the Punch facelift begins to introduce new segment-first features. Design updates inspired by Punch.evVisually, the Punch facelift draws inspiration from the Punch.ev, adopting a more modern face with a slimmer grille and a redesigned bumper featuring functional air curtains. With its simplified variant strategy, expanded feature set and long-awaited turbo-petrol engine, the 2026 Tata Punch facelift is positioned to strengthen its appeal in the micro-SUV segment.

Gunmen on Tuesday night invaded the National Park Service office in Oloka, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, leaving four personnel feared dead, and one other in critical condition. The PUNCH gathered that the attack occurred at about 9pm. Preliminary reports revealed that at least five personnel of the National Park Service were affected during the assault. Olayinka said that the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, CP Femi Haruna, alongside other security service chiefs, were already heading to the affected area to assess the situation firsthand. “The deployment is aimed at preventing further breakdown of law and order, restoring calm, and ensuring the safety of lives and property,” he said.

Now that we know what the Punch facelift looks like, Tata Motors has revealed more details about its micro-SUV today, about the variants it will be offered in, and some key feature highlights for each one of them. 2026 Tata Punch Facelift PureKey Highlights(In addition to Smart):Rear AC VentsSteering-mounted controlsFront centre armrestRear defoggerManual Day/Night IRVMThe second-from-base Pure trim goes a bit further by adding comfort features like rear AC vents, steering-mounted controls and a front centre armrest. ZigSays…With 6 variants on offer, the Punch facelift strikes the sweet spot of offering enough variants for the flexibility of buyers, without getting too confusing. Stay tuned to ZigWheels for more details on the Punch facelift as they are announced. Which variant of the Punch facelift would you pick?

As a minister, Wike is expected to uphold the principles of federalism and respect the autonomy of state governments. “One of the most egregious examples of Wike’s overreach is his recent manipulation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. This blatant misuse of power is pushing the limits of tolerance far too far and is simply unacceptable. The Coalition of Northern Groups warns President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be vigilant against the escalating atrocities committed by Wike. The political landscape has become muddled with questions about whether Wike or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu holds the real power.

The Federal Government has clarified that the ongoing standoff with the National Association of Resident Doctors is the result of deep-seated structural and policy constraints rather than official neglect or indifference to the welfare of medical professionals. “The ongoing standoff is driven by structural and policy issues rather than neglect. “To address this, the Ministry initiated and adopted a collective bargaining approach, ensuring that doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, and other health workers negotiated together,” he added. “Resident doctors are specialists-in-training, and current regulations reserve specialist allowances for consultants. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission has advised against extending this to residents to avoid similar claims from other health workers in training,” the Minister explained.

Construction on new properties is under way, and families whose homes survived the fire have begun to return. The flames incinerated many older homes and businesses filled with lead paint and asbestos. Many are still battling their insurance companies to fully cover their costs, and make certain their homes are habitable. The interior of her home has been found to have lead and asbestos after the Eaton fire. So earlier this year a group of residents, including Fanning and Maccalla, formed Eaton Fire Residents United (EFRU).

The Peoples Democratic Party (South-South Chairman), Emmanuel Ogidi, has announced that the party will hold high-level meetings with former presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Speaking on Wednesday’s edition of the morning brief on Channels Television, Ogidi emphasised that these consultations are key to restoring the party’s national influence. “Even Atiku Abubakar, as the former vice president of the country, we are going to meet him. Obi and Atiku are ex-members of the PDP, and they flew the party’s flag as vice presidential and presidential candidates, respectively, in 2019. On Tuesday, members of the PDP National Working Committee met with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who served as the country’s leader under the party.

The mineral-rich semi-autonomous territory — part of Washington’s long-standing NATO ally Denmark and home already to a US military base — has been in Trump’s sights since his first term in office. That came despite a warning from Danish premier Mette Frederiksen an attack on a NATO ally would end the alliance — and a show of support for Copenhagen from key European leaders. Any US military action against Greenland would effectively tear NATO apart. – NATO steers clear –So far NATO as an organisation has tried to stay out of the Greenland issue. “I don’t think this issue will ever be brought up in a NATO framework in order to avoid any divisions,” a third NATO diplomat said.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Circle K, the global convenience store chain, is cranking the volume all the way up with Monster Energy for the launch of Monster Ultra Punk Punch, available now exclusively at its U.S. stores. Ultra Punk Punch marks the first-ever exclusive item Monster Energy has released with Circle K, giving customers a first taste before the flavor hits shelves nationwide in March. “Launching Ultra Punk Punch exclusively in our stores is about bringing a bold, new flavor to people before they can get it anywhere else,” said Rebekah Stevenson, head of packaged beverages at Circle K. ShareBuilt for fans who move fast and live loud, Ultra Punk Punch brings classic fruit punch flavor with a rebellious edge. All Ultra Energy. About Monster EnergyBased in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages.

Tata Motors is set to launch the Punch Facelift in the Indian market on January 13. The vehicle will be available in six trim levels: Smart, Pure, Pure+, Adventure, Accomplished, and Accomplished+ S. Additionally, the brand has revealed a list of features that will be included in these trims. Tata Punch SmartThe Smart version of the Punch will feature 6 airbags, LED headlights, a redesigned steering wheel, two driving modes - Eco and City, an Electronic Stability Program, Remote Keyless Entry, iTPMS, and additional features. Tata Punch Pure PlusThe Pure Plus trim further offers a 20.32 cm touchscreen infotainment system, a rear parking camera, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cruise control, a USB Type C fast charger, a height-adjustable driver's seat, and additional features. With all of the aforementioned features, the Tata Punch facelift will feature a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which is available on the outgoing model.

Tata Punch Facelift: Tata Motors has revealed the upcoming micro-SUV, Punch facelift, for the Indian market with an updated exterior and interior. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Tata Punch Facelift:Upcoming Tata Punch Facelift PriceThe expected price of the Tata Punch facelift is ₹5.75 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant and will go to ₹10.15 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-spec variant. Upcoming Tata Punch Facelift ExteriorsThe exterior design of the upcoming Tata Punch facelift has a refreshed look. AdvertisementUpcoming Tata Punch Facelift InteriorsOn the inside, the upcoming Tata Punch facelift will come with a revamped design for the dashboard and instrument cluster. Upcoming Tata Punch Facelift FeaturesRegarding the feature list, the upcoming Tata Punch facelift will come with automatic climate control, a wireless charger, a sunroof, driving modes, and a digital instrument cluster.

Tata Punch facelift will offer six variants from Smart to Accomplished+ S with petrol, turbo-petrol, CNG powertrains and other new features. Tata Punch Facelift: SmartThe Smart variant is the starting point, yet it covers the basics well. Tata Punch Facelift: PureThe Pure variant adds comfort-focused features. Tata Punch Facelift: AccomplishedThe Accomplished variant moves the Punch towards a more premium feel. Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift Revealed Ahead Of India Launch on January 13The Tata Punch Facelift will be powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine with manual or AMT options, while higher trims also offer a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol with a six-speed manual.

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Samaila Sule, and five others, while several villagers were abducted as the gunmen attacked Farin Ruwa village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Some community members said that the attack happened on January 5, when armed bandits invaded the community and overpowered the security personnel, adding that the attack was terrible. The bodies of five other villagers were also found following the incident, the villagers lamented. “During the attack, the gunmen reportedly seized Sule’s AK-47 rifle along with 30 rounds of live ammunition,” they added. According to the report, the victims were seized during the raid and taken away before security operatives could respond.