Military kills 45 bandits, loses captain, two soldiers in Katsina
Troops of the Nigerian Army on Friday lost a captain and two soldiers in a fierce encounter with daredevil bandits terrorising the Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State. The troops, however, killed no fewer than 45 terrorists during the gun battle in the area. This is contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Katsina State, Nasir Mua’zu, made available to newsmen on Saturday in Katsina. “Seeking revenge, the bandits returned in large numbers on March 6. We will not rest until peace is fully restored to every corner of Katsina State.”
Source:Punch
March 07, 2026 09:07 UTC
Tata Punch.ev to target 1st time car buyers | TOI Auto
The development has cleared the path for his son Nishant Kumar to formally enter politics through the Janata Dal (United). During a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence in Patna, party leaders unanimously backed Nishant’s entry into the organisation. He is expected to travel across Bihar and engage directly with party workers at the grassroots level. However, the sudden shift has also sparked protests among sections of party workers who believe Nitish Kumar should continue to lead Bihar. As political activity intensifies in Patna, all eyes are now on Nishant Kumar and whether he can transform a powerful political legacy into a new leadership journey for the party.
Source:Punch
March 07, 2026 07:31 UTC
US-Israel strikes: Qatar announces partial reopening of airspace
A site of overnight Israeli airstrikes is pictured in the southern suburbs of Beirut on March 6, 2026. “Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the partial resumption of air navigation in the State of Qatar, through designated navigational contingency routes with limited operational capacity,” the body said. “This phase includes the operation of a limited number of flights designated for passenger evacuation, in addition to the operation of air cargo flights,” it added. “Hamad International Airport clarifies that the operation of additional flights in the coming days will remain subject to ongoing assessment of the security situation,” the statement added. On Tuesday the Gulf state said Hamad International Airport had been targeted in Iranian attacks but all of them had been thwarted.
Source:Punch
March 07, 2026 00:50 UTC
Publisher pays tribute to the late Doyin Okupe
In a tribute titled “One Year Without My Godfather: Remembering Dr Doyin Okupe,” Salako reflected on the impact the late politician and media strategist had on his personal and professional journey. He noted that even after 12 months, Okupe’s voice, counsel, and encouragement remained vivid in his memory. The publisher said his encounter with Okupe nine years ago marked a turning point in his life. “A year ago, I lost my godfather, Doyin Okupe, and not a day has passed without reflecting on the seeds he planted in my life. The publisher also credited Okupe with helping him access opportunities that continue to shape his career, adding that the mentorship extended beyond professional guidance to personal development and intellectual growth.
Source:Punch
March 07, 2026 00:11 UTC
Minister hails resolution of long-standing OPL 245 dispute
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has welcomed the resolution of the prolonged dispute over Oil Prospecting Licence 245, describing the development as a major boost to investor confidence in the country’s oil and gas sector. Lokpobiri said the settlement would pave the way for renewed investment and accelerated development of one of the country’s strategic offshore assets. He commended the leadership of President Bola Tinubu for approving the process that led to the resolution of the protracted dispute. “This resolution reflects the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to addressing long-standing legacy issues in the oil and gas sector and creating a stable and predictable environment that inspires investor confidence,” he said. He noted that the peaceful resolution of the dispute sent a positive signal to global investors about Nigeria’s readiness to address legacy issues while sustaining an investment-friendly environment.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2026 23:59 UTC
Fraudulent surgeries in Nigeria: A deadly risk for patients
Patients also lieA medical laboratory scientist in training at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Ifuhemi Olotu, warned that patients’ dishonesty could complicate diagnosis and treatment. Fraudulent surgeries for profitA Canada-based Nigerian doctor, Dr Arinze Onwumelu, alleged that some medical practitioners in Nigeria falsely diagnose patients with appendicitis and perform deceptive surgeries to make quick money. Neglect of lab testsThe National President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Dr Casmir Ifeanyi, warned that the continued neglect and suppression of medical laboratory services in the country was costing lives and worsening the already fragile health system. “The challenge in Nigeria is that within the health system, the managers continue to undermine medical laboratory diagnosis. “I’m a lawyer, but I understand that there are procedures for laboratory tests and conducting surgeries.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2026 23:35 UTC
Asake's Car Gifts to Parents End Favouritism Debate
Earlier in the week, Asake had gifted his mother a new Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon G63, said to be worth about N311m. In the widely circulated clip, Odunsi accused his son of neglecting him despite the singer’s rising fame and fortune. The claims sparked widespread backlash online, with fans and some celebrities urging the artiste to reconcile with his family. However, his father’s silence following the recent car gift to his mother reignited speculation online. Others, however, pushed a counter-narrative, labelling Odunsi a “deadbeat father.” An Instagram user, comedian_kod, wrote, “Once you are a deadbeat father, don’t expect anything.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2026 23:17 UTC
NEC secretariat gets N7.9bn amid funding complaints by agencies
The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee approved the disbursement of N7.895bn as funding for the operations of the Secretariat of the National Economic Council in 2025, despite widespread complaints by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies over inadequate funding and low capital releases. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare disclosed that capital releases in 2025 were extremely low. Similarly, the Federal Ministry of Transportation reported that only about one per cent of its N256.73bn 2025 allocation was released, amounting to roughly N2.57bn. In the social sector, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs lamented low allocations and poor disbursement patterns. Similarly, other agencies such as the Nigeria Correctional Service and the Public Complaints Commission also appealed for increased funding to improve operations.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2026 23:13 UTC
Kalu denies certificate forgery, says allegations politically motivated
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has denied allegations that he forged his academic credentials, describing the claims as politically motivated and unproven. Responding, the Deputy Speaker’s office said the allegations were based on a petition that had neither been substantiated nor determined by any competent authority. However, the Deputy Speaker’s office argued that the existence of a petition did not amount to proof of wrongdoing. The statement also described the allegations as part of a coordinated smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the Deputy Speaker’s reputation. Despite the allegations, the Deputy Speaker’s office maintained that he would continue to discharge his legislative responsibilities while respecting due process and the rule of law.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2026 23:01 UTC
Gut Punch: What a Baby Monkey Teaches Us About Impactful Content
Gut Punch: What a Baby Monkey Teaches Us About Impactful Content4 ways to move the needleby Heather Bradley March 6, 2026 10:00 am 3 min read Share:I’ve spent my career at the intersection of “dumb” internet culture and “smart” technology. But a tiny Japanese macaque named Punch recently reminded me that in our rush to automate creativity, the goal isn’t just more content—it’s more meaning. Punch didn’t go viral because of a high-spec render. The goal isn’t to create slick, frictionless content simply because you can. Stop using AI as a surrogate “Ora-mama” for real life.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2026 22:22 UTC
32 Filipino artists honored at 18th Ani ng Dangal Awards for Global Achievements in the Arts
This phrase defined the dedication of the thirty-two (32) artists honored with the Harvest of Honor at the 18th Ani ng Dangal Awards held at the Metropolitan Theater Ballroom on February 27, 2026. In the field of Architecture and Allied Arts, five (5) awardees were recognized for their outstanding international achievements. Also honored was Merlie M. Alunan, recipient of the 2025 International Writers Award from the Royal Society of Literature (RSL). The Ani ng Dangal, or Harvest of Honor, is a state recognition conferred by the NCCA as one of the culminating highlights of National Arts Month (NAM), celebrating the global achievements of Filipino artists and cultural workers. The Ani ng Dangal trophy is stylized sarimanok conceptualized by National Artist for Visual Arts Abdulmari Imao, which represents the Filipino artist’s achievements in the global stage.
Source:The Guardian
March 06, 2026 22:16 UTC
Atiku condemns burning of ADC office in Rivers, demands probe
PUNCH Online earlier reported that suspected thugs had on Thursday night set ablaze the ward office of the ADC in Ubima community. In a post via his verified X handle on Friday, Atiku said the attack reflected a troubling trend in which political opposition members and their property are increasingly targeted. “The attack on the African Democratic Congress office in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, is condemned,” he said. Atiku also urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to ensure the safety of opposition members and their property. “These are not merely attacks on the opposition coalition ADC, but an assault on our democracy.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2026 21:53 UTC
Punch the orphan macaque outgrows plushie
Punch the baby orphan macaque is outgrowing the orangutan plushie that had comforted him through early rejection from his mother and other monkeys. Images of Punch dragging around the toy bigger than him drew attention to the residents of a zoo near Tokyo. When other monkeys shooed the baby away, Punch rushed back to the toy orangutan, hugging it for comfort. “Helping Punch learn the rules of monkey society and being accepted as a member is our most important task,” said Kosuke Kano, a 24-year-old zookeeper. Punch still sleeps with his toy every night, but Mizushina said the next thing keepers want to see is Punch bunched up with other monkeys to sleep.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2026 18:12 UTC
Why Iyabo Obasanjo dumped PDP for APC
Obasanjo-Bello said she had not been a PDP member since 2011, when she lost her Senate re-election bid and subsequently left for a leadership fellowship at Harvard University, after which she pursued a PhD. “I have not been an active member or even a member at all of PDP since 2011. It’s this, it’s really the fact that, yes, it’s all politics, but politics, people are still human beings. Obasanjo-Bello, who s seeking the Ogun State governorship on the APC platform ahead of the 2027 general election, confirmed that she formally joined the APC after participating in the party’s e-registration exercise in Ibogun, Ward 11, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State. Obasanjo-Bello had served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health under former governor Gbenga Daniel before winning a Senate seat representing Ogun Central in 2007.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2026 17:49 UTC
Borno killings: Zulum mourns victims, vows rescue of abducted residents
Zulum addressing residents of Ngoshe community during a condolence visit in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area, on Friday March 6, 2025 after the Boko Haram attack that left several people dead and others abducted. Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Friday mourned residents killed in the recent Boko Haram attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, assuring all that efforts were ongoing to rescue those abducted. PUNCH Online had earlier reported that insurgents attacked Ngoshe on Wednesday night, killing several residents and abducting more than 300 others. “There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. “I strongly believe that with sustained military operations and cooperation between all levels of government, we will overcome this challenge.
Source:Punch
March 06, 2026 17:49 UTC