Buratai outlines roadmap for Nigeria’s security future
Buratai made the proposal on Monday in Abuja in a lecture titled “Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development,” which he delivered at the National Symposium/Lecture Series held to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD). He urged the country to reposition the armed forces as a catalyst for national development and long-term stability. Ambassador to the Benin Republic, proposed five key policy recommendations aimed at translating Nigeria’s defence vision into actionable outcomes. On internal security, the former army chief said the police’s responsibility should be significantly expanded, and that they should be better equipped to handle it. ), Gen. Christopher Musa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a capable, professional and resilient Armed Forces to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and support national development.
Source:The Guardian
January 13, 2026 01:00 UTC
Osun LG Crisis: PDP, APC Clash Over Council Secretariats
The All Progressives Congress in Osun State has rejected claims by the Peoples Democratic Party and a network of civil society organisations that its chairmen are illegally occupying local government council secretariats across the state. The group accused the Osun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force of giving protection to what it described as “illegal executives in Osun LGA” and demanded the immediate withdrawal of personnel providing security for the council chairmen. Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Monday, Olanrewaju traced the crisis in Osun local governments since February 2025. “Despite these clear judicial pronouncements, the sacked chairmen and councillors refused to obey the subsisting court orders, falsely claiming a non-existent reinstatement order. The dangerous part of it is that Osun Police Command is aiding these APC chairmen.
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 23:26 UTC
2026 is a pivotal year for Oyo – Makinde
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday described 2026 as a pivotal year for the state and the nation, urging residents to remain vigilant and take security matters seriously as preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 general elections. Makinde noted that as the political season draws nearer, residents should be wary of aspirants who would make unrealistic promises. If you see something, say something to the appropriate authorities,” Makinde said, urging residents to encourage their relatives and communities across the state to remain alert. Makinde announced that the 2025 promotion exercise had already been forwarded to him for approval, assuring affected workers that he would sign it immediately. The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, represented by the Deputy Speaker, commended Makinde’s worker-friendly policies and infrastructural development.
Source:The Guardian
January 12, 2026 19:00 UTC
Liverpool vs Barnsley Live: When & Where to Watch Live Streaming Online & TV Channel Broadcast in India, USA, UK, Nigeria, Ireland, South Africa, Australia
When to Watch Liverpool vs BarnsleyFA Cup Match is set to take place on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Liverpool vs Barnsley Live Streaming & TV Channel in IndiaIn India, the match will be telecast on Sony Sports Network. Liverpool vs Barnsley Live Streaming & TV Channel in UKIn the United Kingdom, people can stream the matches on TNT Sports 1, Discovery +, and Prime Video. When & Where to Watch Liverpool vs Barnsley in South AfricaSouth Africans can enjoy the live action on SuperSport. When & Where to Watch Liverpool vs Barnsley in IrelandThe live broadcast in Ireland will be on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+.
Source:The Guardian
January 12, 2026 17:50 UTC
Fire engulfs lounge, residential building in Ibadan
The Oyo Fire Service Agency has curtailed an inferno that destroyed property worth millions of naira and engulfed a lounge in one of the hotels in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The fire affected a three-bedroom flat used as a lounge within the hotel premises. He said, “Upon arrival, it was a three-bedroom flat used as a lounge that was engulfed by fire. The affected building was an ancient one consisting of seven rooms. Akinwande said, “Upon arrival at the scene, we met an ancient residential building of seven rooms engulfed by fire.
Source:The Guardian
January 12, 2026 17:00 UTC
Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie accuses Lagos hospital of negligence after son’s death
The Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused a Lagos hospital of negligence after the death of one of her 21-month-old twin boys. The notice alleged there were lapses during the child’s admission and lack of basic resuscitation equipment at the facility amounting to medical negligence. He had been referred from another Lagos hospital to Euracare for a series of diagnostic procedures that included an echocardiogram and a brain MRI. In the WhatsApp chat, Adichie accused Euracare of negligence, saying a doctor had directly told her that the resident anaesthesiologist had administered an overdose of propofol, a sedative. There has been an outpouring of condolence messages to Adichie and Esege, including from Bola Tinubu, the president of Nigeria.
Source:The Guardian
January 12, 2026 14:34 UTC
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