2 dead, 6 injured in multiple Lagos road crashes
Photo: LASTMA on XTwo people were killed while at least six others sustained injuries in multiple road crashes recorded across Lagos on New Year’s Day. The crashes were confirmed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority. Similarly, a crash involving a Volkswagen commercial bus and a Toyota Corolla at Owode Elede, inward Owode Onirin on Ikorodu Road, left four persons injured. LASTMA said its operatives rescued the injured victims, ensured their transfer to the hospital, and restored traffic flow along the corridor. The agency reiterated its commitment to enforcing traffic laws, responding promptly to emergencies and sensitising road users, particularly during festive and high-mobility periods.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 22:27 UTC
Soldiers Kill 3 Suicide Bombers, Escorts in Borno State
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised three Boko Haram suicide bombers and their escorts along the Guduf–Pulka axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The statement reads, “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully neutralised three terrorist suicide bombers following a deliberate, intelligence-driven operation conducted along the Guduf–Pulka axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. “Troops also inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorist escorts accompanying the suicide bombers,” he notedAccording to Uba, the surviving elements fled into the Mandara Mountains under pressure from sustained troop action. “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intensified efforts to detect, track, and neutralise suicide bombers and other terrorist elements operating from this enclave, leveraging human intelligence, communication intercepts, and other intelligence-gathering capabilities,” he said. However, the Borno state police command issued a conflicting statement, stating that the suspected suicide bomber was arrested by the Police and that the items found with him are not IEDs.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 22:15 UTC
Rivers PDP faction slams Fubara for ‘betrayal’, defection to APC
Ewor, who said that President Bola Tinubu intervened, added that part of the agreement was that Fubara would not run for another term. He added that the president also asked Fubara to reinstate Chief Ohna Awuse as Chairman of the Rivers Traditional Rulers Council. He called on Fubara to tell the people of Rivers the terms of agreement reached with Tinubu before the emergency rule was lifted in the state. Ewor recalled that the PDP challenged the declaration of the state of emergency at the Supreme Court to protect its mandate. “Today, Fubara has taken our mandate to the APC, which, with all intent and purpose, is unjust,” he said.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 21:55 UTC
Alliance with PDP elders proves loyalty to Tinubu, Fubara dismisses blackmail
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that prominent former leaders of the Peoples’ Democratic Party and known supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have resolved to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Governor Fubara made the announcement on Thursday at the New Year banquet organised by the Rivers State Government at Government House, Port Harcourt. Governor Fubara said it is on the strength of that faith that the purpose of governance in Rivers State would be fully realised. Governor Fubara said his administration has endured numerous challenges but has emerged stronger, noting that the battles he could not fight had ultimately strengthened his resolve. It is to protect Rivers State.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 21:45 UTC
US Lawmaker on ISIS Threats to Christians in Nigeria
A United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has raised alarm over reports of threats against Christians in Nigeria, citing statements attributed to an Islamic State–affiliated group and calling the situation religious persecution. Moore said on X on Thursday night that the debate over the motives behind attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria should be settled. “If there were any remaining doubts that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted for their faith in Jesus Christ, this should end that debate. The ministry stated that the cooperation had led to precision airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North-West. Debris from the operation fell in parts of Sokoto and Kwara states, but authorities confirmed that no civilian casualties occurred.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 21:26 UTC
Tinubu hails Hadiza Bala-Usman on her 50th birthday
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday felicitated with his Special Adviser on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala-Usman, as she marks her 50th birthday on January 2, 2026. In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Bala-Usman as “a dedicated patriot whose sterling public career reflects service, sacrifice, and commitment to national development.”Tinubu commended her nearly three decades in public service, highlighting her contributions across various government institutions and roles. “In her current role as Special Adviser and Head of the CRDCU, Hadiza continues to distinguish herself as an astute public administrator through discipline, clear thinking, and a firm focus on results,” the President said. He credited her efforts with strengthening the governance framework and enhancing the realisation of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The President prayed for strength, wisdom, good health, and grace for Bala-Usman, expressing hope that she would “remain an inspiration to women, young people and emerging leaders across the country.“
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 21:14 UTC
Why US is placing travel ban on Nigeria, 25 other African countries
Benin:The US imposed partial restrictions due to Benin’s B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 12.34 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 36.77 percent. Gabon:Gabon was listed due to its B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 8.47 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 19.09 percent. Malawi:According to the Overstay Report, Malawi recorded a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 22.45 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 31.99 percent. It also noted that Nigerian nationals had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 5.56 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 11.90 percent. Zimbabwe:Zimbabwe’s B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate was 7.89 percent, with F, M and J visa overstays reaching 15.15 percent.
Source:The Guardian
January 01, 2026 19:57 UTC
PDP urges FG to prioritise security, people’s welfare in 2026
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Federal Government to recommit itself to the protection of lives and property, insisting that 2026 must mark a decisive shift towards people-centred governance. The opposition party urged the government to act without delay, warning that the new year must not become “another chapter of broken promises,” but a turning point defined by decisive leadership and accountability. According to the PDP, the interests of Nigerians, rather than partisan calculations or political survival, should guide every action of government. The party also called on key democratic institutions, including the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, to uphold their constitutional responsibilities without succumbing to pressure, inducement or fear. It assured Nigerians that it would continue to speak truth to power, hold the government accountable and stand with the people until governance truly reflects their will, welfare, and aspirations.
Source:The Guardian
January 01, 2026 19:09 UTC
Anthony Joshua released from hospital after surviving fatal car crash, driver could face charges
Anthony Joshua was released from a hospital in Nigeria on Wednesday, two days after the former two-time heavyweight champion survived a fatal car crash that killed two of his friends and team members in Lagos. The driver, who was hired for the team’s trip in Nigeria, the homeland of Joshua’s parents, has also been discharged from the hospital. Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps said that the driver was speeding and lost control “during an overtaking maneuver” on the congested Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Nigeria recorded 5,421 deaths in 9,570 road accidents in 2024, according to data by the country's Federal Road Safety Corps. But all of those plans are now in doubt as Joshua physically and mentally recovers from the life-altering incident.
Source:The Guardian
January 01, 2026 19:07 UTC
Fire guts pharmaceutical store, other shops in Taraba
A fire outbreak has razed the popular Moore Pharmaceutical Store and several other shops in the Michelin area of Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, January 1, 2026, along Hamaruwa Way, where the affected shops were located within the same building. A staff member of Moore Pharmaceutical Store confirmed that no drugs or medical supplies were salvaged from the premises, saying the building was completely consumed by the fire. Although no casualties were recorded, shop owners affected by the incident described it as devastating and appealed to the Taraba State Government, as well as well-meaning individuals and organisations, for urgent assistance to help them rebuild their businesses. Some of the traders disclosed that they had taken loans to stock their shops, warning that without timely intervention, they could face serious financial hardship.
Source:The Guardian
January 01, 2026 19:04 UTC
Police suspend tinted glass permit enforcement
The Nigeria Police Force has suspended the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy nationwide following an interim order of court restraining the move. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, restraining it from proceeding with the enforcement pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the vacation of the order. The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force was served with an interim order of court in Suit No. According to the statement, the suspension of enforcement is in strict compliance with the subsisting court order. “Accordingly, and strictly in compliance with the subsisting court order, the Nigeria Police Force has placed the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy on hold nationwide, pending the decision of the court,” the police stated.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 18:35 UTC
Soldiers harass The Guardian, Punch reporter, seize AIT camera during coverage
While soldiers threatened to beat up reporters of The Guardian, Eniola Daniel, and Punch, Dayo Oyewo, the soldiers seized the camera of African Independent Television (AIT) and sent others away. An officer of the Nigerian Army, Gaktong G. J., armed with a cane, threatened to flog journalists who were at the scene to report. He shouted that nobody invited journalists to the scene and that he had the right to do anything. While reporters were trying to explain further, he invited other soldiers to send them out of the area. “Unfortunately, there was no water in the Arena Market, and it contributed to the spread of the fire.
Source:The Guardian
January 01, 2026 17:36 UTC
One dead, others injured in Oshodi car accident
One person has been confirmed dead, while several others sustained injuries in a road accident on the Oshodi–Isolo Expressway in Lagos. The accident occurred at 6:10 am on Wednesday when a Siena car rammed into a passenger bus. “One person died, with many others injured, but the driver of the Siena did not sustain any injury. The injured victims have been rushed to the hospital,” an LNSC official said. The driver of the passenger bus explained that he was attempting to change a tyre when the Siena car hit the bus from behind.
Source:The Guardian
January 01, 2026 17:10 UTC
Tinubu promises better economy, security amid opposition’s knocks
FG to intensify security operations, decentralised policing, inclusive growth agendaOn security, the President said economic progress must be matched by peace and stability, acknowledging ongoing threats from criminal and terrorist groups. Tinubu said security and intelligence agencies would deepen cooperation with regional and global partners in 2026 to eliminate threats to national security. The President also prayed for the safety of Nigeria’s troops and the defeat of those threatening national peace, security and stability. From tax reforms to electoral and constitutional adjustments, the groundwork has been laid for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria,” Bamidele said. Addressing national security, the Senate Leader said public hearings for the National Security Summit had been concluded across the six geopolitical zones.
Source:The Guardian
January 01, 2026 17:07 UTC
2026: Saraki, Amaechi harp on unity, responsive leadership
Similarly, former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, urged Nigerians to demand responsive and accountable leadership as part of efforts to achieve a national turning point in 2026. Also, former President Goodluck Jonathan said citizens and leaders must match patriotism with a renewed sense of duty as Nigeria enters 2026. “A united Nigeria just needs peace and proper coordination to rise and fulfil its manifest destiny as a global leader. That is why all Nigerians, young and old, should avoid any drift towards issues that could threaten the country’s unity. He stressed that meaningful progress would only be possible if Nigerians collectively insist on leadership that is responsible, transparent and people-oriented.
Source:The Guardian
January 01, 2026 17:07 UTC