Over one million displaced households resettled in Borno – Military
Over one million households displaced by years of insurgency have been resettled in their ancestral homes across parts of Borno State, following sustained stabilisation operations by troops of Operation Hadin Kai. General Abubakar listed some of the resettled communities to include Malam Fatori, Kekeno, Mala Jamel, and Yelwa, noting that Malam Fatori alone has witnessed phased resettlement efforts involving over a million households. If you take a ride into Kukawa, you will see the kind of socioeconomic activities taking place there. The conflict severely disrupted livelihoods and socio-economic activities, leaving many areas deserted and unsafe for civilian return. In response, the Nigerian military launched sustained counter-insurgency and stabilisation operations under Operation Hadin Kai, aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, restoring security, and creating conditions for the safe resettlement of displaced households.
Source:Punch
January 22, 2026 10:46 UTC
Dangote Refinery Gains From Europe & US Refinery Closures
The shutdown of refineries across Europe and North America has tightened global fuel markets and handed Nigeria’s Dangote refinery greater leverage in shaping refined product balances, according to energy intelligence firm Kpler. The permanent closure of nearly 800,000 barrels per day of refining capacity across Europe and North America has materially tightened product balances, particularly for middle distillates. The President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, announced last year that the refinery would be upgraded to 1.4 mbpd capacity to make it the largest in the world. Last week, the Managing Director of the Dangote refinery, David Bird, disclosed that the refinery expansion could be completed in three years. Meanwhile, Engineers India Limited announced that it would lead the expansion of the Dangote refinery, a project that will increase the facility’s capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.
Source:Punch
January 22, 2026 09:33 UTC
Morning recap: Kidnappers demand N29m deposit for abducted Kaduna worshippers, Davido paternity row, CAF sanctions Algeria
The Federal Government is moving to fast-track the trial of 5,000 terror suspects to address the significant backlog of terrorism-related cases in the country. In sports, CAF has sanctioned Algeria and some of its players following misconduct during and after the AFCON 2025 quarter-final against Nigeria. Meanwhile, a report shows that Nigerians spent an estimated N1.58tn on petrol during the 2025 Yuletide period. Kidnappers hold 166 Kaduna worshippers, demand N29m depositFamilies of 166 Christian worshippers abducted in Kurmin Wali community, Southern Kaduna, have revealed that the kidnappers made an initial demand of N28.9m for 17 motorcycles as a condition for the release of the victims. Gunmen attacked three churches in the community on Sunday and abducted 177 worshippers before 11 of them escaped.
Source:Punch
January 22, 2026 09:25 UTC
Awujale stool battle: Ogun halts process, police storm palace
Ogun State government on Wednesday halted the selection process for the new Awujale of Ijebu land, the second suspension in less than a month, with a heavy deployment of security forces at the palace. The Awujale stool became vacant in July 2025 after the death of 91-year-old Oba Sikiru Adetona, who reigned for 65 years. The selection process has attracted widespread interest, including from Fuji musician Ayinde, popularly called KWAM1, who had sought an interim injunction at the state high court to stop the selection proces. On Wednesday, the Regent and head of the Awujale Interregnum Administration Committee, Dr Sonny Kuku, confirmed that the government had temporarily paused the process. However, the exercise was suspended in line with the state government’s directive halting the Awujale selection process.
Source:Punch
January 22, 2026 05:59 UTC
George Ilenikhena breaks Nwankwo Kanu's UCL record
Lagos-born AS Monaco forward George Ilenikhena has made UEFA Champions League history by becoming the youngest African player to reach 15 appearances in the competition, surpassing a record previously held by former Nigeria international Nwankwo Kanu, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Now 49, Kanu went on to score five goals and register 13 assists in 60 Champions League appearances. Ilenikhena was born in Lagos on August 16, 2006, and relocated to France at the age of three. During this period, he also became Monaco’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Champions League, breaking a club record previously held by Kylian Mbappé. This season, Ilenikhena has featured in 14 Ligue 1 matches, scoring two goals.
Source:Punch
January 22, 2026 04:31 UTC
Hull City's Semi Ajayi out for two months with injury
Hull City defender Semi Ajayi has been ruled out for two months after sustaining a hamstring injury during Nigeria’s third-place match at the Africa Cup of Nations, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The 31-year-old limped out in added time of the Super Eagles’ victory over Egypt on Sunday, and scan results have since confirmed damage to his hamstring. Despite the setback, Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic’s men claimed three points on the road, defeating Preston North End 3-0 with goals from Liam Millar, Akin Famewo and Oli McBurnie. John Egan also departed in added time with a cramp, and both players are hoped to be available for the weekend. Hull City hope Ryan Giles will be fit enough to return to the squad at Blackburn Rovers next Saturday.
Source:Punch
January 22, 2026 04:21 UTC
LP Faction Seeks Unity After Court Win on Party Leadership
Reacting to the judgment, the Otti-backed faction welcomed the ruling but urged restraint, dialogue, and reconciliation among all tendencies within the party. “Although the journey to this point was protracted, difficult, and at times turbulent, the Labour Party urges its members and supporters not to celebrate with triumphalism. Let it be clearly stated: there is only one united and indivisible Labour Party in Nigeria. There is enormous work ahead in rebuilding the Labour Party into a strong, credible, and virile opposition platform in Nigeria, a task that can only be accomplished in an atmosphere of unity, cohesion, and mutual respect,” Usman stated. As part of efforts to restore harmony, the Interim National Chairman announced plans to set up a reconciliation mechanism.
Source:Punch
January 22, 2026 02:34 UTC
Ex-Oyo park chair Auxiliary needs one month to recuperate, doctor tells court
He gave this explanation while appearing before Justice Adetujoye, presiding over Court 11, Oyo State High Court, in Ibadan, the state capital. Auxiliary, who had been in Court earlier before the court rose for a few minutes, was taken away by the Correctional Centre officers for allegedly not feeling too fine. He was again brought to court by the officials of the correctional facility, but was not docked. The state Prosecutor was led by O.S Tella, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, O.A Bolarinwa Senior State Counsel and F.F Gbadamosi. Defence (Auxiliary’s) Counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN was not in Court but was represented by one of his counsel.
Source:Punch
January 22, 2026 01:18 UTC
Putin mulls Trump's 'Board of Peace' invitation
(FILES) Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and US President Donald Trump are pictured before a meeting in Helsinki, on July 16, 2018. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP)President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said Russia would study US President Donald Trump’s invitation to join his “Board of Peace”. “The Russian foreign ministry has been charged with studying the documents that were sent to us and to consult on the topic with our strategic partners,” Putin said during a televised government meeting. He added that the assets could also be used “to reconstruct the territories damaged by the hostilities, after the conclusion of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine”. Invites were sent to dozens of world leaders with a request for $1 billion for a permanent seat on the board.
Source:Punch
January 22, 2026 00:09 UTC
FCCPC Sets April 2026 Digital Lenders Deadline in Nigeria
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has set April 2026 as the final deadline for digital money lending operators to regularise their operations under Nigeria’s Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025 (DEON Regulations). The commission said the deadline applies to operators provisionally designated as eligible under transitional arrangements, following the expiration of the initial compliance window on 5 January 2026. “The compliance window provided under the Regulations has now closed. “Operators who fail to regularise their status by April 2026 may face additional regulatory measures. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparent regulation, fair competition and effective consumer protection across Nigeria’s digital economy.
Source:Punch
January 21, 2026 23:13 UTC
Top 5 Things We Love In The New 2026 Tata Punch Facelift: Turbo-petrol Engine, Sleek Design, Safety, Space And Practicality, Variant Spread
Now that Tata Motors has launched the new Punch facelift, we have finally got our hands on it, and there’s a lot to like! Amongst a comprehensive makeover, new interior, a more powerful engine option and a lot more features, it makes for a compelling package. Perhaps the most important change in the facelift is the all-new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine from the Nexon. Safety RedefinedTata Motors has, over the years, built up a strong reputation for making safe cars and the Punch facelift continues the legacy with a 5-star BNCAP safety rating. ZigSays…The Punch has always been a record-setter for Tata Motors, and the carmaker does not want to relent.
Source:Punch
January 21, 2026 22:43 UTC
Cody Jinks Plans New Extended Tour with Five Finger Death Punch -...
However you look at it, Cody Jinks will be spending the lion’s share of 2026 not headlining his own shows, but heading out on tour with heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch as part of their 20th Anniversary Tour. Why go this route when Cody Jinks has been a strong headliner of his own shows for years? Part of it might be logistical ease so Jinks doesn’t have to worry about booking out an entire tour by himself. And who knows, maybe Jinks has a heavy metal Ace of Spades up his sleeve to play later this year. And maybe this is just what Cody Jinks wants to do.
Source:Punch
January 21, 2026 22:14 UTC
LinkUp Rum Punch bottles Caribbean spirit, culture and connection – Caribbean Life
Founder Mariam Fedai displays a bottle of LinkUp Rum Punch, a shelf-stable drink inspired by Caribbean rum punch traditions and crafted with natural ingredients with no added sugar. Created by New York–based entrepreneur Mariam Fedai , LinkUp Rum Punch offers a cleaner, ready-to-pour Caribbean classic, made with precision and purpose rather than excess. Since launch, LinkUp Rum Punch has expanded to New York, New Jersey, Florida, and California, with Atlanta and New Orleans planned for 2026. That diversity inspired this drink.”Instead of reinventing rum punch, Fedai chose to honor it. LinkUp Rum Punch stands apart—not just as a drink, but as a promise to honor Caribbean heritage and share its vibrant spirit.
Source:Punch
January 21, 2026 22:10 UTC
Truck rams into roadside crowd, kills three, injures 40 in Yobe
Three persons have been confirmed dead, while about 40 others sustained injuries after a canter truck rammed into people sitting by the roadside along the Gombe–Potiskum Road in Yobe State. The crash occurred at about 2:30 pm on Wednesday near Badejo town of Potiskum local government area, a busy stretch of the expressway. Eyewitnesses said the truck appeared to be moving at high speed before it lost control and struck those sitting along the roadside. Andrew said, “The crash occurred at about 2:30 pm near Badejo town along the Gombe–Potiskum expressway. “The injured were quickly rescued and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while the deceased were evacuated by our operatives.
Source:Punch
January 21, 2026 19:28 UTC
Tata Punch Facelift CNG Automatic First Drive Review
Tata has worked not just on enhancing the feature list, but also on providing an overall better cabin experience. Speaking of cup holders, the ones in the centre console aren’t spacious themselves, barely being able to make space for 250ml bottles. The centre console now houses a larger, 10.25-inch touchscreen system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. In this case, though, Tata has its limitations as the instrument cluster is only a semi-digital unit at best, even in its top-spec form. While you can’t turn a deaf ear to that, there is some relief for your eyes, courtesy of the new auto-dimming IRVM.
Source:Punch
January 21, 2026 19:23 UTC