Security operatives arrest four bandits with 65 cows in Kaduna
Security operatives have arrested four armed bandits, suspected to be Fulani terrorists, in Kaduna for rustling over 65 cows in the state. They are presently under police custody. In a statement by the police spokesman on Sunday, DSP Mansir Hassan said that “on 10th January, 2026, at about 0500 hours, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence regarding the suspected activities of bandits and cattle rustlers, stormed the Kakura area of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State”, where the bandits were nabbed. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, has called on members of the public “to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and credible information that can aid in the fight against kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities”. The CP assured the good people of Kaduna State of the Command’s unwavering commitment in sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements and bringing all perpetrators to justice.
Source:The Guardian
January 12, 2026 05:58 UTC
Petrol Price War: Retailers Sell Below Dangote's N739
The PUNCH reports that since the Dangote refinery slashed petrol pump prices from about N900 to N739 in December, many importers and depot owners have lamented mounting losses. According to the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, the landing cost of petrol averaged N762.38 per litre, while Dangote’s ex-gantry price remained N699. This led to fuel queues at MRS filling stations in Lagos and other locations. However, the tide is gradually turning as some filling stations now sell petrol at prices lower than those of MRS. The time has gone when people were queuing at NNPC filling stations.
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 05:31 UTC
Nigerian insurers oppose tax breaks for foreign firms
A proposal to exempt foreign insurance companies from paying tax on premiums generated from insurance business written in Nigeria has triggered concern in the insurance industry. They argue that granting tax exemptions to foreign insurers while local companies continue to bear the full tax burden would undermine the reform aimed at building a strong, resilient domestic insurance market. At the heart of the concern is the suggestion that exempting foreign insurers from tax on premiums sourced from Nigeria could help deepen insurance penetration. Daudu explained that while foreign insurers play an important role, especially in large or specialised risks, tax parity remained essential. If foreign companies are allowed to underwrite Nigerian risks tax-free, local firms will struggle to compete on pricing, and many could be forced out,” he said.
Source:The Guardian
January 12, 2026 04:24 UTC
Luca Zidane under fire for post-match brawl with Nigeria
(Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)Zinedine Zidane’s son, Luca, has come under scrutiny following his involvement in a post-match brawl after Algeria’s 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The 27-year-old Granada goalkeeper was at the centre of unsavoury scenes at full-time, clashing with Nigeria midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru as tensions boiled over following Algeria’s elimination. Luca Zidane was seen confronting Dele-Bashiru before Nigeria players intervened to pull their teammate away, while the goalkeeper also exchanged words with Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika as the situation threatened to spiral further. However, Nigeria proved a step too far, limiting the North Africans’ attacking threat and asserting dominance to seal progression. Another user, @john322226, echoed the sentiment, posting, “Zinedine zidane son was fighting after the match against Nigeria.
Source:Punch
January 12, 2026 03:18 UTC
Ex-Nigerian envoy in court over cybercrime charges
The Federal Government has filed a three-count criminal charge against a former Nigerian Ambassador to Zambia, Nwannebuike Ominyi Eze, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged cybercrime offences. The prosecution further alleged that the publications were intended to cause harm, criminal intimidation, enmity, anxiety and hatred against Chief Ogai. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 27(1)(a)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) There were also second and third counts. The defendants are expected to take their plea when the matter comes up for arraignment before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Source:The Guardian
January 12, 2026 02:59 UTC
Authorities uncover government official's tie to criminal operation hidden deep in forest: 'Encouraging trespassing on government … assets'
The Oyo State government in Nigeria suspended a ruler after authorities alleged he played a role in facilitating illegal mining activities inside government-designated forest reserves, according to The Guardian Nigeria. Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, the Sobaloju of Ofiki, was suspended effective Monday, January 5, 2026. The Guardian Nigeria reported that the action followed allegations that he encouraged trespassing on government-gazetted assets and violated Executive Order 001/2023. The legislation regulates mining activities across Oyo State. Oyo State officials said the government has intensified enforcement efforts in recent years to curb illegal mining, particularly in forest reserves and rural communities.
Source:The Guardian
January 12, 2026 00:26 UTC
FG Rules Out Tolling on Third Mainland Bridge, Umahi Says
The Federal Government has no plan to toll the rehabilitated Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has said. Umahi spoke on Sunday while answering journalists’ questions after inaugurating the N40 billion Closed Circuit Television Camera Centre on the Third Mainland Bridge. “It is also within the town, so it will introduce many bottlenecks; that is why we are not tolling this bridge,” he said. Umahi said security on the bridge would be handled by the police, noting that the 11-kilometre bridge would have a five-minute response time. He added that a tow van and an ambulance were required on the bridge for emergencies.
Source:Punch
January 11, 2026 21:53 UTC
Tinubu arrives in Abu Dhabi for sustainability summit
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday arrived in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to attend the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The President’s aircraft touched down at Zayed International Airport at approximately 11:30 pm local time, where he was received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Tinubu is visiting the UAE at the official invitation of the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The annual summit serves as a global forum for world leaders, industry experts, and civil society organisations to address critical issues regarding energy innovation and the financial infrastructure required for renewable energy transitions. It was said during the summit that President Tinubu will aim to position Nigeria as a leading player in sustainable development, seeking to attract foreign investment and foster partnerships that align with the country’s national growth objectives.
Source:Punch
January 11, 2026 21:49 UTC
Barcelona wins Spanish Super Cup in thrilling 3-2 Clasico
Barcelona's players celebrate after winning the Spanish Super Cup final football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah on January 11, 2026. (Photo by Fadel SENNA / AFP)Barcelona retained the Spanish Super Cup with a thrilling 3-2 Clasico win over Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. “We’re very happy, another trophy, it’s always a big game against Madrid,” Lewandowski told Movistar. Madrid pulled level with a superb Vinicius strike, floating in from the left, nutmegging Jules Kounde and tucking past Garcia. The last four winners of the Spanish Super Cup have gone on to claim La Liga and Barcelona will be hoping it proves a platform for success once again.
Source:Punch
January 11, 2026 21:15 UTC
Why we released 70 suspected bandits from custody — Katsina govt
Katsina State Government has justified its reason for initiating steps to secure the release of 70 persons suspected to have been involved in banditry-related offences. He said the release of the 70 suspects was similar to what occurs during war periods, where fighting groups exchange prisoners. “For example, in Safana Local Government Area, they (repentant bandits) released 36 persons; in Kurfi, they released 42 persons; in Sabuwa, they released 310 persons; in Faskari, they released 36 persons; in Danmusa, they released 60 persons. “In Malumfashi, they released 36 persons; in Musawa, they released 28 persons; in Matazu, they released 33 persons. In Dutsinma, they released 62 persons; in Jibia, they released 31 persons; in Bakori, they released 125 persons.”The commissioner added that, “World over, everyone knows that after a war is fought, there are usually prisoner exchanges.
Source:The Guardian
January 11, 2026 20:49 UTC
Only Tinubu Can Sack Me, Not Critics, Wike Declares
Wike also dismissed calls for his removal, stressing that the power to sack him lies solely with the President. Wike spoke on Sunday during a thank-you visit to Obio/Akpor, where he addressed party leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youths. As for the governorship of Rivers State, we know where not to go. Also speaking, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, reaffirmed the legislature’s support for Wike and President Tinubu. The development marks a renewed escalation in the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, stemming from the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.
Source:Punch
January 11, 2026 20:06 UTC
Edo condemns attack as angry youths slaughter goats, chase away Hausa traders
Angry youths chased away Hausa traders at the livestock market in Ekpoma in Edo Central and slaughtered goats belonging to the traders. The residents had on Saturday protested the killing of a youth at the hands of suspected kidnappers in the area. However, in multiple videos circulating on the internet on Sunday morning, some youths descended on the livestock market, killed goats and chased away the traders. The traders were seen fleeing the market, while their cows were also seen on a major road moving about without direction, while some residents were beating them. Some of the slaughtered goats were also dragged away by the angry residents.
Source:Punch
January 11, 2026 20:04 UTC
Police nab 25 during Black Axe cult initiation raid in Ondo
Vow war on cultism, caution youthsNo fewer than 25 suspected members of the Black Axe ‘Aye’ confraternity, also known as the Neo Black Movement (NBM), have been arrested in Ondo State during an initiation rite. While describing the arrest as a major success for the police, the spokesperson for the command, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the arrested suspects were from Edo, Lagos, Osun, and Ondo States. Jimoh, who emphasised that the suspects had confessed their involvement in cult-related activities, said they would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations. “The arrested suspects are currently in police custody and have confessed to their involvement in cult-related activities. “Conclusively, the Commissioner reassures residents of Ondo State of the Command’s proactive commitment to maintaining a peaceful and crime-free environment.
Source:The Guardian
January 11, 2026 19:59 UTC
Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms in Nasarawa
Operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command attached to the Anti-Robbery Section have arrested two notorious armed robbery suspects, Kabiru Isah and Monday Bulus, who had been on the command’s wanted list for their alleged involvement in several robbery operations across the state. The suspects were arrested on January 10, 2026, at about 10:00 pm, following credible intelligence. The command’s spokesperson, Ramhan Nansel, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Lafia, the state capital, on Sunday. The Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, commended the operatives for their professionalism and gallantry and ordered a thorough investigation into the case. Nansel noted that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Source:Punch
January 11, 2026 19:08 UTC
Submissions Open for the 12th AMVCA Awards in 2026
Africa Magic has officially opened submissions for the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, inviting filmmakers and television content creators across the continent to showcase their work. Submissions for the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards are officially open. A detailed statement on the Africa Magic website dated January 10, 2026, further outlined the awards’ objectives and submission requirements. The 12th AMVCA will include 32 award categories, comprising 18 jury-decided categories, 11 audience-voted awards, and two special recognition awards for Lifetime Achievement and one Trailblazer Award. The edition will also introduce new Indigenous Language categories: Best Indigenous Language – North Africa and Best Indigenous Language – Central Africa.
Source:Punch
January 11, 2026 18:22 UTC