Saudi Airlines Abandons Kano-Bound Passengers in Abuja
Saudi Airlines has come under criticism after abandoning 401 Kano-bound passengers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for close to 48 hours, triggering tension and security concerns. “Yesterday, I had to make a U-turn while heading to my barber’s shop after receiving reports of a valid threat of extreme violence from stranded Saudi Airlines passengers in Abuja,” Achimugu said. According to him, other airlines had also diverted to Abuja for the same weather-related reason, but while they made alternative arrangements for their passengers, Saudi Airlines returned to its base without ensuring that its passengers reached their final destination. “I stood amidst over 200 angry passengers, pacifying, reprimanding and resolving. Saudi Airlines, according to the NCAA, has committed to compensating the affected passengers.
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 12:27 UTC
Per Mertesacker to leave Arsenal academy chief role
Former Arsenal and Germany defender Per Mertesacker has announced that he will step down as Head of Arsenal’s Academy at the end of the season. Mertesacker joined Arsenal in 2011 from Werder Bremen and quickly became a key figure in the heart of the defence. During his playing career at the club, Mertesacker made over 170 Premier League appearances and scored 9 goals, many of them crucial headers from set-pieces. After retiring in 2018, Mertesacker immediately joined Arsenal’s coaching staff. He eventually became Head of the Academy, where he oversaw the development of young talent and helped integrate promising players into the first team.
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 12:12 UTC
Bandits kill soldier, NSCDC officer in Benue
Bandits, suspected armed herders, have killed a soldier and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps at Udeku community in the Turan district of the Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the incident but clarified that no police officer was involved. “No police officer was killed, but regrettably an officer from our sister agency did not make it,” Edet said. Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Mr. Michael Ejelikwu, confirmed the incident on Sunday. He added that despite the unfortunate incident, the NSCDC remained determined and committed to confronting insecurity in all its forms.
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 11:41 UTC
Kogi Bandit Networks Dismantled in Security Operation
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.
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 11:37 UTC
Trump: Iran wants to negotiate as protest death toll rises
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.
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 11:37 UTC
11 Terrorists Surrender in Borno as Troops Kill Eight
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.
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 11:35 UTC
Tata Punch facelift 2026 launch tomorrow: Check expected price, variants, interior, exterior and more
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.
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 11:27 UTC
Tata Punch Facelift Launching Tomorrow; Here's What We Know So Far
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.
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 11:05 UTC
Esege: Lagos orders probe into medical negligence allegation
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.
Source:The Guardian
January 12, 2026 10:49 UTC
Man United step up interim manager search after Fletcher exi
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.
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 10:35 UTC
Tata Punch Facelift Launch Tomorrow: Price, Features, Specs Expected
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).
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 10:27 UTC
Tata Punch Facelift Launch Tomorrow: What To Expect
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.
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 09:52 UTC
2026 Tata Punch Facelift Launch Tomorrow: Design, Interior, Features, Powertrain, Expected Price and Rivals Explained
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.
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 09:11 UTC
New Tata Punch 2026 Expected Price Ahead of Launch
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.
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 08:57 UTC
2026 Tata Punch Facelift Launch Tomorrow: Design, Features, Engine Options And Expected Price
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.
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 08:55 UTC