Four suspected bandits arrested at Ondo airport
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has announced the arrest of four suspected bandits within the vicinity of Akure Airport, Ondo State, following a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies. In a statement on Sunday, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, said the arrests followed a distress alert that suspicious individuals were sighted behind the airport perimeter towards Eleyewo community. “Security personnel comprising FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other local security outfits immediately launched a joint search operation,” Agbebire said. FAAN commended the “swift collaboration among aviation security personnel, the military, the police, and local security groups, including Amotekun and community vigilantes, whose joint efforts led to the arrest,” and emphasised the importance of strengthening airport perimeter protection. FAAN reassured travellers and airport host communities of its “unwavering commitment to maintaining the safety and security of all airport facilities nationwide.”
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 08:09 UTC
Blasts rock Kyiv in rare daytime Russian attack
Ukrainian rescuers conduct a search and rescue operation in and around a residential building heavily damaged during a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv that killed at least 10 people on August 28, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Genya SAVILOV / AFP)Explosions rang out over the Ukrainian capital on Monday, and AFP journalists witnessed air defence batteries fending off a barrage of Russian projectiles during a rare daytime attack on Kyiv. Russian forces have stepped up long-range drone and missile attacks over recent months, mainly targeting energy facilities. The enemy attack on Kyiv continues,” mayor Vitaliy Klitschko wrote on social media, as more explosions echoed over the city. The Ukrainian air force meanwhile warned of a “high-speed target” aimed at Kyiv coming from the north of the country, which borders Russia.
Source:Punch
March 16, 2026 08:06 UTC
Iran cautions nations against joining war with US, Israel
“This war will end when we are certain that it will not be repeated and that reparations will be paid,” Araghchi told Arabic-language news platform Al-Araby Al-Jadeed. “Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet,” Trump told NBC News. But Araghchi, in an interview with the US network CBS’s “Face the Nation”, denied Tehran was asking for a deal. The UN refugee agency says up to 3.2 million people have been displaced in Iran. The Pentagon says more than 15,000 targets in Iran have been hit by US and Israeli forces.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 23:52 UTC
Bolt, Uber drivers begin three-day strike in Lagos
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, has announced a three-day strike starting Sunday, citing poor working conditions and unsustainable fares. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that app-based drivers have raised concerns about economic challenges affecting their work on platforms such as Bolt, Uber, inDrive, and Lagride. “Drivers operating on platforms such as Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride face rising operational costs, including high fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, inflation, and daily living expenses. “During the strike, drivers across Lagos will log off from all ride-hailing platforms, including Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride. The official said at the end of the three-day shutdown, the union would review the responses from the ride-hailing companies and the government.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 23:02 UTC
Israeli prime minister mocks social media rumours about his death
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during an event at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Jerusalem on July 27, 2025. (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP)Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu published a short video on Sunday making light of rumours on social media that he was dead. He then raised his hands to the camera, asking, “Do you want to count the number of fingers?” — a reference to speculation on social media that his latest televised address was generated by AI, as he appeared to have six fingers on one hand. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) threatened on Sunday to kill Netanyahu, as the war against the Islamic Republic led by Israel and the US entered its third week. “IRGC vows to pursue and kill ‘child-killer’ Netanyahu if he is still alive,” Iran’s IRNA news agency said in a post on X.AFP
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 22:38 UTC
Iran announces 60 per cent minimum wage hike – Local media
Iran’s labour minister has announced a more than 60 per cent hike in the minimum wage, local media reported Sunday, months after anti-government protests that began as an expression of discontent over dire economic conditions. The country adjusts its minimum wage yearly to account for inflation, which had skyrocketed under international sanctions in the months leading up to the ongoing war between Iran and its foes, Israel and the United States. It also announced a similar hike in child support benefits. The Iranian currency trades at about 1.47 million rial to the dollar, according to the monitoring website Bonbast. Economic demonstrations broke out in December of last year, sparked by the high cost of living and the depreciation of the national currency.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 22:17 UTC
US-Israel-Iran war: NLC demands tax relief, cost of living allowance
The military escalation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has sent shockwaves through global oil markets. This is not a favour but the right of the Nigerian people, enabling the country to cushion itself against an increasingly hostile global economic environment. “Nigerian workers are being pauperized and subjected to immense suffering. “The government must engage in sincere social dialogue with Nigerian workers and the broader citizenry. The conflict has also exposed Nigeria’s vulnerability to global oil market fluctuations, highlighting the need for economic diversification.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 18:42 UTC
Customs officers shoot driver dead in Osun
A yet-to-be-identified commuter was allegedly shot dead by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service on Sunday along the Osogbo–Iwo Road in Osun State. The perpetrators were said to be security operatives in mufti who were reportedly pursuing the deceased driver from the Iwo end of the road. “The man was driving towards the Osogbo end from the Iwo end of the road when some security operatives in mufti shot at his vehicle. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident but said the suspected shooters were Customs operatives. “The incident happened, but those who allegedly fired the shots are Customs operatives.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 18:21 UTC
Renewed Hope event disrupted in Imo, crowd cart away empowerment items
A crowd surge disrupted the distribution of empowerment items at the Renewed Hope South-East Youth Tour on Saturday in Owerri, Imo State, as many young people attended the event organised by the City Boy Movement. The summit also examined the role of young Nigerians in driving national development and participating actively in economic growth. However, the distribution of empowerment items experienced disruption when the excitement of the crowd increased and participants surged toward the designated distribution area. According to him, the large turnout demonstrated the strong interest of young Nigerians in empowerment initiatives and the growing support for the government’s programmes. The City Boy Movement reaffirmed its commitment to youth engagement, empowerment programmes and grassroots participation in national development.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 18:09 UTC
US-Israel-Iran war: UEFA cancels Spain, Argentina ‘Finalissima’ clash
The ‘Finalissima’ clash between Euro 2024 winners Spain and world champions Argentina, set to take place on March 27 in Qatar has been cancelled, UEFA said on Sunday. “It is a source of great disappointment to UEFA and the organisers that circumstances and timing have denied the teams of the chance to compete for this prestigious prize in Qatar,” said UEFA in a statement. The Finalissima pits the latest Copa America winners against the European championship winners, with Argentina winning the inaugural edition by beating Italy in 2022 at Wembley Stadium in London. Argentina captain Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup with his country in Qatar later that year. “As a result, and to UEFA’s regret, this edition of the Finalissima has been cancelled,” added UEFA.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 17:56 UTC
Monkey Punch: The manga legend who gave viral Japanese macaque a name
Recently, another animal received the internet’s collective emotional projection: a baby Japanese macaque named Punch. He is named after a manga artist, Monkey Punch, who was born Kazuhiko Katō in 1937. “Monkey Punch” was originally a pen name suggested by an editor who thought it sounded amusingly Western. Monkey Punch died in 2019 at age 81, but by then, Lupin III had spanned five decades. In a strange loop, the name Monkey Punch now circles back to a real monkey named Punch.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 17:54 UTC
ADC Nullifies Kingibe’s Suspension, Sanctions Ward Officials
Those sanctioned include the ward chairman, Kanayo Chukwu, alongside Amanda Pam and Omale Suleiman. Destiny added that the national leadership would not condone what he described as misconduct by the ward officials. “We are fully present to say ‘No’ to such shenanigans and the misbehaviour of a self-acclaimed Wuse Ward chairman not recognised by the party. The controversy began earlier in the week when officials of the party’s Wuse Ward announced Kingibe’s suspension over allegations of anti-party activities, insubordination and breach of party rules. The motion seeking the suspension of the three ward executives was moved by an ADC chieftain from Wuse Ward, Danlami Zuru, and seconded by an exco member from the ward, Samuel Dimgba.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 17:06 UTC
Top 10 Most Powerful African Passports by Visa-Free Access
Seychelles has retained its position as Africa’s most powerful passport, ranking 22nd globally with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 154 destinations. This is according to the latest Henley Passport Index, updated on March 9, 2026. Seychelles leads the African ranking, ahead of Mauritius (25th globally, 147 destinations) and South Africa (46th globally, 100 destinations). The government continues negotiations on new visa-waiver agreements with strategic countries, while the recent adoption of biometric passports has further enhanced international travel access for Seychellois citizens. At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan ranks lowest, with visa-free access to just 24 destinations.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 16:52 UTC
Police Probe Edo School Bullying After Students' Expulsion
The Edo State Police Command has summoned the management of Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City, to hand over the students involved in the bullying and assault of their schoolmate for investigation and possible prosecution. The video sparked public outrage, forcing the school management to expel the two students, while the student who recorded the incident on videowas suspended. Ikoedem explained that the police had officially invited the school management to assist in identifying and producing the students involved in the bullying incident. “We are inviting the school authority to hand over the students, particularly those involved in the bullying act, to the authorities. Meanwhile, the Edo State Ministry of Education has set up a five-man investigative committee to probe the incident.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 16:35 UTC
Nigeria Mining Dispute: FG Alleges Plot Against Tinubu
The Federal Government has alleged that an embattled mining company, Jupiter Ltd, is planning what it described as a “campaign of calumny” against Nigeria during the planned state visit of President Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom. Tomori stated that Basin Mining Ltd lost its mineral titles after failing to pay statutory annual service fees amounting to N2.494bn for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years. It further alleged that Davis had interests in several mining companies operating in Nigeria, including Comet Minerals Ltd, Basin Mining Ltd, Range Mining Ltd, Northern Numero Ltd, Sunrise Minerals Ltd and Iron Ore Mining Ltd. According to the government, such arrangements are often used by speculators to acquire mineral titles without undertaking actual mining operations. The ministry said the practice had contributed to the problem of dormant mining licences and illegal mining activities in the country.
Source:Punch
March 15, 2026 16:05 UTC