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The United States has earmarked about ₦587 billion ($413.046 million) for counter-insurgency and security operations in Nigeria and other African countries in 2026, as insecurity continues to worsen across West Africa.The funding is contained in the United States National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, obtained by The PUNCH on Thursday. The allocation falls under Title XLIII (Operation and Maintenance) and is designated for the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).The budget approval comes against the backdrop of recent U.S.-led operations targeting terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State on Christmas Day, under the administration of President Donald Trump. Earlier this week, AFRICOM also delivered military equipment to Nigerian security agencies as part of eff...

A senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has said the 2026 governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states will provide the first real measure of the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) political credibility and strength.Sowunmi made the remarks during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television, as debates continue over the emergence of new opposition platforms ahead of future elections.Responding to claims that the ADC is presenting itself as a political alternative for Nigerians, the PDP chieftain dismissed such assertions, insisting that a party’s relevance can only be proven at the polls, not through rhetoric.“I don’t believe that narrative. Their first real test will come in Osun and then Ekiti, whichever happens first. That is when t...

Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, has declared that her administration will not be intimidated by the possibility of diplomatic friction with the United States, even after U.S. military forces removed her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, earlier this month in a controversial operation.Rodriguez made the remarks on Thursday as she navigates both international pressure and efforts to redefine Venezuela’s relationship with Washington.Speaking to lawmakers at the National Assembly, Rodriguez rejected concerns about a diplomatic clash with the United States. She emphasised that Venezuela is prepared to engage Washington through political dialogue rather than fear confrontation, despite acknowledging the U.S.’s global power.She also called on the U.S. to treat Maduro with ...

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has reaffirmed January 31, 2026, as the official deadline for all employers operating in the state to submit their annual tax returns for the 2025 financial year.In a statement released on Thursday, the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Dr. Ayodele Subair, said the directive is in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025.Dr. Subair explained that employers are required to file detailed records of emoluments, salaries, and other forms of compensation paid to employees, alongside payments made to service providers, vendors, and consultants. He added that all taxes due for the 2025 year must be fully paid and remitted.He stressed that filing annual tax returns is a compulsory legal duty, warning that employers w...

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has spoken on his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).Abba Abubakar announced his defection on Thursday, January 15, pledging his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.In a statement, Atiku described his son’s move as a personal decision, noting that such choices are common in a democratic system.He stressed that he does not compel his children—or Nigerians at large—when it comes to matters of conscience. However, Atiku expressed concern over what he described as the APC’s poor governance and the economic and social hardships faced by Nigerians.The former vice president added that he remains com...

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that he may invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy federal troops in Minnesota if state authorities fail to curb protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minneapolis.In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, January 15, Trump described the protesters as “professional agitators and insurrectionists,” accusing Minnesota officials of failing to protect ICE agents carrying out their duties.Trump’s comments followed recent violent incidents involving federal immigration officers in the city. Last week, an ICE officer shot and killed a protester, Renee Good, while another federal agent shot and wounded a man during an arrest attempt on Wednesday night.The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the injured man was ...

Heavily armed bandits loyal to notorious kingpin, Bello Turji, on Wednesday launched a large-scale attack on Kyara community in Sabon-Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The bandits, numbering in the hundreds, killed seven residents, injured two others and made away with a substantial number of livestock, leaving the community in fear and devastation. A conflict and crisis journalist, Bakatsine confirmed the incident on Thursday. The development comes a day after Turji's bandits raided Gajit village, where they shot some residents and kidnapped at least 20 others.“Given the persistent and escalating nature of these attacks across Sokoto State, what concrete and intelligence-driven measures are being implemented by security agencies to prevent...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to attend this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day activities.The party made its position known in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.According to the ADC, Armed Forces Remembrance Day should go beyond symbolic ceremonies, stressing that national leaders must place the safety and welfare of Nigerians above image polishing, overseas trips, or political expediency.The party expressed concern over the President’s absence, noting that the physical and moral presence of the Commander-in-Chief at such an event is a powerful symbol of unity and support for military personnel and their families, particularly amid worsening security challenges.M...

London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Thursday, January 15, warned that advances in artificial intelligence could lead to “an era of mass unemployment”, saying the UK capital faced particular risks due to its job market dynamics.Khan’s comments will feature in a speech later on Thursday addressing both the opportunities and threats posed by AI. With London serving as a hub for finance, professional services, and creative industries, the mayor said the city was “at the sharpest edge of change”.Khan also highlighted the “huge potential benefits” of AI if used responsibly. Alongside the speech, he will announce a review into AI’s impact on London’s labour market and the rollout of free AI training for millions of Londoners.He will call for urgent action to harness the technology before i...

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the formation of caretaker committees to oversee the party’s activities in Delta, Enugu, Imo, Rivers, and Osun states.According to Naija News, the decision was taken on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) in line with Section 29(2)(b) of the PDP Constitution (2025 as amended). This was disclosed in a public notice signed on Thursday by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Theophilus Dakas Shan.The PDP explained that the move was aimed at ensuring effective administration and continuity of party structures at the state level.Shan stated that the NWC, acting for the NEC and in compliance with the party’s constitution, approved the appointment of party leaders to serve on the...