Tata Punch Facelift spied: 2026 Model to get major design and tech overhaul
Tata Punch Facelift spied: 2026 Model to get major design and tech overhaul Recent spy shots of near-production Tata Punch Facelift test mules reveal a comprehensive overhaul designed to align the vehicle with Tata's modern design language. Exterior styling: Adopting the new Tata DNARecent spy shots suggest that the Punch facelift will align its aesthetics with Tata's newer SUV lineup, such as the Nexon and Punch EV. (Image Source : RUSH LANE) Tata Punch Facelift spiedInterior and technology upgradesThe cabin is set for a substantial premium upgrade. Powertrain and launch timelineUnder the hood, the 2026 Punch is expected to retain its reliable powertrain options:1.2L Revotron Petrol Engine: Available with both a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. The Tata Punch facelift is slated for a market launch in the first half (H1) of 2026.
Source:Punch
December 27, 2025 21:44 UTC
FG Graduates 7,000 in Presidential Forest Guards Initiative
The Federal Government has announced the graduation of more than 7,000 newly recruited forest guards drawn from seven frontline states after completing a three-month training programme under the Presidential Forest Guards Initiative. He directed each state to recruit between 2,000 and 5,000 forest guards. The graduation of the recruits shows the kickoff of the forest guards after it had been delayed for seven months. “The training programme recorded a 98.2 per cent completion rate. “These Forest Guards are not just uniformed personnel.
Source:Punch
December 27, 2025 21:04 UTC
Poverty Alleviation: No spiritual guardian with hunger, scholar says at N10m Nigeria Food Appeal
This is the central submission of a United Kingdom based Islamic scholar, Shaykh Muhammad Mahmoud at over N10 million Nigeria Food Appeal exercise in Lagos. Mahmoud, who represented Prophetic Path and Dabbagh Welfare Trust UK, made the declaration while speaking to journalists, during distribution of nine food items. The distribution exercise to 100 families was in collaboration with The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and the professions. “The food items distribution is for the beneficiaries to have respite for a period of time, before the beginning of Ramadan. Speaking to journalists on behalf of The Companion, its Executive Secretary, Dr Abdul Rafiu Alabi, said Dabbagh food appeal is to alleviate poverty in Nigeria, in particular, Lagos.
Source:The Guardian
December 27, 2025 20:00 UTC
Nollywood actress, producer, Allwell Ademola, is dead
Nollywood actress, director and film producer Allwell Ademola has died at the age of 43. Ademola died on Saturday, December 27, in Lagos. Her death was confirmed by fellow actress Faithia Williams, who shared the news on Instagram on Saturday. The actress’ death came hours after she made what would become her final post on Instagram. Allwell Ademola worked across Yoruba and English-language Nollywood films as an actress and was also active as a producer and director.
Source:The Guardian
December 27, 2025 19:57 UTC
Watchman allegedly kills Gombe government house staff
There was anxiety at Government House, Gombe, Gombe State, after a watchman allegedly killed a staff member who handles water borehole operations in the house. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon at 3:50pm, when the victim, identified as Baba Usama, was allegedly killed after being drugged and strangled with a rope by his killer. According to the Gombe State Police Command, Shuaibu Adamu, aged 19 years, committed the atrocity. Police spokesman in the state, Buhari Abdullahi, revealed that on December 26, 2025, a distress report was received that the victim, a casual staff member employed as a borehole operator at the Gombe State Government House, was found lying motionless. “The Gombe State Police Command reassures the public of its firm commitment to justice and the safety of all persons working within and around government facilities”, he said.
Source:The Guardian
December 27, 2025 18:44 UTC
Sokoto Airstrikes: Nigeria’s diplomatic appeals fall on deaf ears as US clings to Christian genocide narrative
While praising the courage, bravery and commitment of Nigeria’s military and security forces in confronting the rising threat, Okoh stressed U.S. support as essential to bolster their efforts. Gumi warned that American involvement could worsen Nigeria’s security challenges and undermine national sovereignty. “At this critical juncture, the involvement of the United States in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations deserves recognition, not condemnation. “I wasn’t surprised after the delegation that visited the United States, when you look at the membership of the delegation, the Attorney-General was part of it. So, we know that some form of agreement was signed with the United States.
Source:The Guardian
December 27, 2025 16:41 UTC
Sokoto: Government introduces new initiatives to curb banditry
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has announced that his administration is introducing new initiatives aimed at curbing the menace of banditry in the state. He said since assuming office, his administration has consistently supported security agencies in combating banditry across the 13 local councils affected by the menace. Aliyu emphasised the need for residents to continue supporting the government and security agencies in order to make Sokoto State safer. “As a government, we are ready to do all it takes to ensure that banditry becomes history in Sokoto State. He also thanked the people of Sokoto State for their continued support and prayers, assuring them of more dividends of democracy across the state.
Source:The Guardian
December 27, 2025 15:19 UTC
ADC slams Tinubu over US airstrikes, demands casualty report
Highlighting the stakes, the ADC on Friday acknowledged the broader security context in the country. “We therefore support all lawful and effective measures aimed at saving lives and restoring security,” the party said. It continued, “Nevertheless, the ADC reiterates its long-standing opposition to the physical operation of foreign military forces on Nigerian soil. Criticising the President Bola Tinubu-led government’s handling of national security, the ADC explicitly attributed the reliance on foreign action to administrative failings. “This reflects a frightening lack of awareness of the historic significance of this incident by the President of Nigeria,” it concluded.
Source:Punch
December 27, 2025 14:56 UTC
Legal professionals divided over proposed two-year apprenticeship for law graduates
Currently, Nigerian law graduates can commence full legal practice after attending the Nigerian Law School and being called to the Bar. Introducing a two-year pupillage means that it would take about eight or nine years before one can practice law in Nigeria,” said Enebeli. The reason they do that is because senior lawyers are not ready to pay young lawyers. Law students fresh out of law school, even though licensed to practice law straight away, still need practical hands-on experience under accredited senior lawyers to fully grasp the issues around law practice. He also recommended minimum required remuneration standards and structured learning outcomes as other mechanisms that will ensure the success of the proposed pupillage.
Source:The Guardian
December 27, 2025 14:19 UTC
Army supports fallen soldiers' families with Christmas gifts
(NAN)Brig.-Gen Ahmed Balogun of the Nigerian Army in Benin has said that the distribution of Christmas food and monetary gifts to families of fallen officers was aimed at expressing gratitude. Balogun noted that the gifts served as a reminder to the widows of fallen soldiers that the Nigerian Army had not forgotten the sacrifices of their late husbands, made in defence of their fatherland. Balogun noted that the initiative aligned with the idea of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, which prioritises the welfare of soldiers and their families. “We are here to put soldiers first and to bring the Chief of Army Staff’s philosophy to life by celebrating and identifying with our soldiers and their families during this Christmas season,” he said. She urged officers, soldiers and their families to continue to live in unity and love, noting that the Nigerian Army recognises and celebrates both Christian and Muslim festivals.
Source:Punch
December 27, 2025 13:53 UTC
Seven Feared Kidnapped by Bandits in Kwara Community
Suspected bandits on Friday evening reportedly invaded the Adanla community, a suburb of Igbaja in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, and allegedly abducted no fewer than seven persons. The attack, according to residents occured around 7pm on Friday, December 26, 2025, and threw the otherwise peaceful agrarian community into fear. A community leader in Igbaja and Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, confirmed the incident to The PUNCH on Saturday. “At about 7:30pm, we received a report from Adanla-Irese, a suburb of Igbaja, that bandits had entered the community,” Oyin-Zubair said. When contacted, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said she was yet to receive a detailed briefing on the incident.
Source:Punch
December 27, 2025 13:34 UTC
US airstrikes stopped Christmas attacks in Nigeria, says congressman
A United States congressman, Riley Moore, contrasted deadly Christmas attacks in Nigeria with US military action taken on Christmas Day, saying American forces were used this year against Islamist militants rather than marking another holiday of bloodshed for Nigerian Christians. Moore wrote Saturday on X that Christians in Nigeria had been killed during the past two Christmas seasons, but said that this year, the response was directed at extremist groups instead. Recall that the US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that US forces conducted deadly strikes against Islamic State terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria, and vowed more attacks if the militants keep killing Christians. In 2023, reports on Christmas Eve said at least 140 people were killed and others were missing after gunmen carried out a series of attacks on remote villages in Plateau State. In 2024, separate reports said herdsmen attacked a cluster of five predominantly Christian villages in Benue State on Christmas Day, killing at least 33 people.
Source:Punch
December 27, 2025 12:54 UTC
US, Nigeria differ in details over airstrikes on terrorists
of DefenseFollowing surprise US strikes targeting militants in Nigeria, it remains unclear who or what was actually hit as Washington and Abuja tell slightly different stories. The two countries agree that the strikes hit targets linked to Islamic State, but neither one has provided details on which of Nigeria’s myriad armed groups were targeted. Nigeria is battling multiple jihadist organisations, including several linked to Islamic State. Neighbouring countries are also fighting IS-linked groups, and there are worries those conflicts are spilling into the country. Some researchers have recently linked some members of the armed group known as Lakurawa — the main jihadist group located in Sokoto State — to Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), but other analysts have disputed those links.
Source:The Guardian
December 27, 2025 12:34 UTC
Tata Punch Facelift Getting Closer To Production? New Spy Shots Reveal Details
The Tata Punch has been one of the brand's most successful models since its debut, maintaining steady sales over the years. Now, the brand seems to be preparing a facelift version to keep the model aligned with its latest design language, and recent spy shots suggest it's edging closer to production. Fresh spy shots show two Punch facelift (ICE) test mules on public roads, featuring a dual-tone roof and styling elements resembling the Punch EV. At the front, the 2026 Tata Punch facelift gets a redesigned bumper which will likely offer the model a fresh look. Under the hood, the Punch facelift is likely to continue with the current 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, along with a CNG variant using the same power plant.
Source:Punch
December 27, 2025 11:21 UTC
US used drone-launched missiles in strikes, Nigeria says
Nigeria’s information minister said Friday that the US strikes in northwest Nigeria conducted on Christmas Day used guided missiles launched from drones. Nigeria is battling numerous armed conflicts, including a jihadist insurgency running since 2009, and its failure to rein in the violence has been criticised by Washington. US President Donald Trump was the first to announce the strikes, raising concern among Nigerians that their sovereignty may have come under attack. Idris said the attack was carried out with the “full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” with “explicit approval” from President Bola Tinubu. “Debris from expended munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State,” Idris said, adding that no civilians were injured.
Source:The Guardian
December 27, 2025 10:44 UTC