Troops of the Nigerian Army 12 Brigade, Lokoja, have foiled bandits’ movement in Kogi, neutralising three suspects and arresting one logistics supplier.
The action is disclosed in a statement by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, on Sunday in Lokoja.
Abdullahi said the coordinated operation occurred on Saturday, January 3, as part of ongoing efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping.
He said fighting patrols and ambushes were conducted in Kabba Bunu and Yagba West Local Government Areas of the state.
“Troops ambushed bandits moving toward Agbadu Bunu, neutralising two and recovering arms, including an AK-47 rifle and ammunition,” he said.
According to him, the troops acted on credible intelligence regarding the movement of bandits from the Adankolo general area.
“They ran into our ambush and were engaged, forcing them to withdraw with indications of casualties, as blood stains were observed,” Abdullahi said.
He said two bandits were neutralised, while an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, ammunition, a locally fabricated gun and cartridges were recovered.
Abdullahi added that troops, working with local vigilantes in Yagba West, engaged bandits around Saminaka village.
“One bandit was neutralised during the encounter, and an AK-47 rifle with ammunition was recovered,” he said.
He also disclosed the arrest of a suspected bandit logistics supplier, identified as Sunday Adedotun.
“Items recovered from his settlement included energy drinks, soft drinks, bottled water, and harvested farm produce,” Abdullahi said.
He said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing investigation.
Abdullahi stressed that the operations demonstrate sustained pressure on criminals and their support networks.
He said the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Sidi, commended the troops’ professionalism, courage, and swift response to intelligence.
The commander assured continued aggressive patrols and operations to deny criminals freedom of action in the state. (Guardian)
The Super Eagles have booked a place in the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals with a commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique in their Round of 16 clash in Fès.
The Eagles started strongly, building on their perfect group stage record, having won all three matches to top Group C. Mozambique, making their first-ever appearance in the Round of 16 after finishing as one of the best third-placed teams in Group F, struggled to cope with Nigeria’s pace and attacking threat.
The Super Eagles took an early lead in the 20th minute when Ademola Lookman converted an assist from Akor Adams. Victor Osimhen doubled the advantage five minutes later, before Lookman set up Osimhen again in the 47th minute to make it three. Adams Akor completed the scoring with Nigeria’s fourth in the 75th minute.
Wilfred Ndidi captained the midfield alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, while Stanley Nwabali returned in goal. The back four of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi kept Mozambique at bay throughout the match.
Substitutions in the second half saw Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze replace Adams Akor and Lookman, while Onyeka and Ndidi were replaced by Tom Dele Bashiru and Onyedika as Chelle refreshed his midfield. Moses Simon also came on for Osimhen.
By the 80th minute, Nigeria had registered eight shots on target, while Mozambique had yet to test Nwabali.
With the win, Nigeria advance to the quarter-finals, maintaining their momentum as they chase a fourth AFCON title. They will face the winners of the match between Algeria and Congo DR. (Punch)
Armed gangs killed more than 30 people and kidnapped others in a raid in Nigeria in the same state where hundreds of schoolchildren were abducted late last year, police said Sunday.
The gangs swept into Kasuwan Daji village, in the Kabe district of the western Niger State on Saturday and set a market ablaze, before looting shops for food, they said.
“Over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack, some persons were also kidnapped,” Wasiu Abiodun, Niger state police spokesman said.
President Bola Tinubu’s office said the attackers may have been “terrorists” fleeing from parts of northwestern Nigeria following Christmas Day airstrikes by the United States that targeted militants linked to the Islamic State group.
The attackers “will be caught and brought to justice”, along with any who helped them, Tinubu vowed in a statement relayed by his media adviser Bayo Onanuga.
Images viewed by AFP showed some of those killed in the raid had their hands tied behind their backs.
Gangs, known in Nigeria as “bandits”, frequently carry out mass kidnappings for ransom and loot villages in parts of Nigeria.
Niger state has been one of the hardest hit in recent months.
In November, armed gangs seized more than 250 students and staff from a Catholic school in the state.
Authorities announced their release in two batches weeks later, without saying whether a ransom was paid.
The latest attack took place less than 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Papiri village where the students and teachers were snatched from their school.
The local church for the area put the death toll from Saturday’s raid at more than 40, higher than the figure given by police.
“Reports indicate the bandits operated for hours with no security presence,” the Catholic Church in Kontagora said on its Facebook page. (Guardian)
Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz maintained his goal-a-game record at the Africa Cup of Nations by scoring to take Morocco into the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Tanzania in Rabat on Sunday.
Diaz scored once in each of three group matches and his 64th-minute strike against the Tanzanians created history as he became the first Moroccan to find the net in four consecutive AFCON matches.
The goal came after Morocco squandered numerous scoring chances while stretching an unbeaten run in competitive and friendly matches to 23. Their last loss was to South Africa at the 2024 AFCON.
Morocco will face South Africa or Cameroon, who meet later on Sunday at a different Rabat venue, in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, set up the last-16 winner for Diaz, while making his first start in the tournament after coming off the bench in a victory over Zambia last Monday.
The 2025 African player of the year suffered a serious ankle injury playing for PSG against Bayern Munich in the Champions League two months ago.
But Morocco lacked Azzedine Ounahi, who arrived at the stadium using crutches and wearing a medical boot on his left foot. Bilal El Khannouss took his place in midfield.
Morocco were favourites for several reasons, including home advantage, the backing of close to 70,000 supporters, and lying 101 places above Tanzania in the world rankings.
However, it was Tanzania who had the first chance in the third minute, but Saimon Msuva misconnected with a Selemani Mwalimu cross.
Morocco had the ball in the net after 15 minutes as Ismael Saibari nodded a Abdessamad Ezzalzouli free-kick past goalkeeper Hussein Masaranga.
The assistant referee immediately raised his flag for offside and a VAR review confirmed that the PSV striker had strayed too far forward.
Ayoub El Kaabi was the next Moroccan to come close, heading over before being injured in a collision with Masaranga. Both players resumed after treatment.
A Diaz shot was too high from the edge of the box and El Kaabi headed wide as the host nation continued their pursuit of the opening goal, but the first half ended goalless.
In a lively start to the second period, Ezzalzouli and El Kaabi headed wide then, in a rare Tanzanian raid, Feisal ‘Fei Toto’ Salum fired over with only goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to beat.
As Moroccan pressure mounted, Hakimi rifled a free-kick against the crossbar from just outside the box on the hour mark.
A goal seemed inevitable given the relentless pressure from the host nation, and it came thanks to Hakimi and Diaz.
The full-back passed to the forward, who beat Masaranga at his near post with an angled shot from close range. (Guardian)
Manchester United have sacked boss Ruben Amorim, the club has confirmed.
The announcement was made on Monday morning less than 24 hours after Amorim held a stunning news conference following the 1-1 draw with Leeds United in which he urged United bosses to “do your jobs.”
Under-18s coach Darrren Fletcher is set to take charge of United’s trip to Burnley on Wednesday.
Sources have told ESPN that the club are still mapping out a succession plan, but are leaning towards naming an interim boss until the end of the season before making a permanent appointment in the summer.
Amorim was informed in person at Carrington on Monday by director of football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada.
Club sources have denied that the decision was prompted by a breakdown in Amorim’s relationship with Wilcox, but rather because the hierarchy “have not seen enough signs of evolution of progress.”
But sources said Amorim was sacked in the aftermath of an explosive meeting with Wilcox on Friday.
Amorim, according to sources, did not take kindly to the conversation moving on to the subject of his preferred 3-4-3 system and the potential evolution of the team’s style of play.
Following the meeting, Amorim took part in a tense news conference with reporters before quickly leaving the club’s Carrington training ground.
He pulled out of a scheduled broadcast interview citing “personal reasons” and defender Lisandro Martínez had to take his place.
Sources have told ESPN that Wilcox intended the meeting to focus on feedback following the 1-1 draw with Wolves three days earlier.
Amorim’s volatile response to the advice was seen by club bosses as “too emotional” and signalled that his relationship with Wilcox had broken down.
It was followed by a fraught news conference after the 1-1 draw with Leeds on Monday during which the Portuguese coach demanded to be “manager, not the coach” and called on Wilcox to “do his job.”
United sources are insisting that the decision to dismiss Amorim was not made purely because of tensions behind the scenes and was taken because the club “had not seen enough signs of evolution or progress” on the pitch.
However, it’s hard to escape the sense that the timing of the move has much to do with Amorim’s news conference at Elland Road and particularly the barbs aimed at the club and Wilcox.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday ahead of the trip to Leeds, the Portuguese coach revealed his frustration at a lack of movement in the January transfer window.
And after the game on Sunday, he went one step further by telling club bosses he wants to be “manager, not the coach” while also pointedly aiming a dig at Wilcox to “do his job.”
Club sources have told ESPN that, as far as they were concerned, Amorim was “fully aligned” with their transfer plan.
They insist the decision has been made to “give a capable and committed squad the best chance of being successful.”
Amorim has overseen a turbulent 14 months at United after succeeding Erik ten Hag as boss in November 2024.
He won 24 of his 63 matches in charge and oversaw just 15 victories in the Premier League.
He leaves United sixth in the Premier League table after eight wins from 20 games this season.
Current under-18s boss Darren Fletcher is set to take over ahead of the trip to Burnley on Wednesday. (ESPN)
MTV shut down five of its music channels in the United Kingdom.
The television channel officially stopped broadcasting on its MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and MTV Live channels in the country on Wednesday, Dec. 31, according to multiple reports, after reports of the move first surfaced in October. 24-hour music channels in other countries are also said to be off-air.
BBC journalist Jono Read captured MTV Music’s final moments in an X post on Wednesday. The station ended its run with The Buggles’ 1979 single “Video Killed the Radio Star” – the first video ever to air on MTV – followed by a sign-off animation. At the bottom, a news ticker read: “MTV Music is now closed. Continue watching over at MTV.”
USA TODAY has reached out to MTV for comment.
The flagship U.K. station MTV HD remains on air, and its American MTV channels – including MTV, MTV2, MTV Live, MTV Classic and MTV Tres – are unaffected.
Four decades after the revolutionary station aired music videos 24/7, MTV’s decision is a further sign of the times. MTV’s flagship channel began increasingly circulating reality-show-heavy programming in the 2000s with series like “The Real World,” “Teen Mom” and “Jersey Shore.” The network’s sister channels feature more music-centered content, though with significantly less reach, distribution and revenue.
In 2023, MTV shuttered its music news division and website, MTV News. Its campus-centered offshoot, MTVU, ceased airing at universities in 2018, and currently airs only as a digital cable channel.
MTV changed the television landscape with its launch in 1981, playing music around the clock and related programming guided by video jockeys, or VJs, and was influential in the growth of the music video as an artistic medium. The channel also evolved in the genres of music videos it promoted. MTV moved from rock to pop and R&B – and later, hip-hop – after it broke its own color barrier in the 1980s with the promotion of Michael Jackson’s music videos for “Billie Jean” and “Thriller.” (USAToday)
The Lagos State Police Command has ordered an investigation into the senior pastor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Chris Okafor, following a series of sexual misconduct allegations that have circulated widely on social media.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, who instructed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, to invite Okafor for questioning and to summon alleged victims and witnesses for interviews.
“The CP has directed the SCID to invite the pastor for investigation, despite the fact that no one has formally come forward to report,” said Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi.
She added that witnesses will be brought forward to provide statements that would assist the investigation.
The move comes after escalating public outrage, with actress Doris Ogala among the women accusing the pastor of sexual misconduct spanning nearly a decade. In emotional Instagram videos posted on 14 December 2025, Ogala alleged that her relationship with Okafor began in 2017, continued for nine years, and included broken promises of marriage. She also accused him of sharing explicit photos and contributing to the breakdown of her previous marriage.
In a public apology during a church service, Okafor knelt on the pulpit, admitting to past “mistakes” and asking for forgiveness. He had earlier married a new bride, identified as Pearl, on 16 December 2025, in a ceremony attended by prominent clerics.
Adebisi said she personally contacted a YouTuber who had interviewed alleged victims to obtain direct links to witnesses to facilitate the investigation.
Other women have since come forward with allegations of manipulation, infidelity, and sexual misconduct. One accuser, Okafor’s former wife, Bessem Okafor, claimed the cleric engaged in infidelity, deception, and physical assault.
Despite the allegations, several members of the Mountain of Liberation church have defended the pastor, describing the claims as attempts to extort money from Okafor.
As the probe unfolds, police have confirmed that no formal petition had been filed prior to CP Jimoh’s order, underscoring that the investigation is being conducted in response to public concern and media reports.
The Lagos SCID is expected to issue updates as Okafor is invited for questioning and witnesses provide statements, signalling the seriousness with which authorities are approaching the case. (Guardian)
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with a suspected arson attack on a residential building in Ilorin, the state capital, following allegations of threats linked to religious differences.
In a press release issued on Saturday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command had commenced a full investigation into the fire incident, which occurred in the Isale Koko area of Ilorin.
According to the statement, the incident was reported on January 2, 2026, at about 10pm by the occupant of the house, Mrs T. A. Olorisha.
She alleged that her residence was set ablaze by unknown persons on January 1, 2026, around 7pm while she was away from home.
The statement read, “Kwara State Police investigate suspected arson attack in Ilorin. Three suspects were arrested.
”The Kwara State Police Command is aware of a video circulating online. The video depicts an elderly woman saying her place of residence was completely razed by fire.
The command has commenced thorough investigation into the fire incident suspected to be an act of arson at Isale Koko Area, Ilorin.
”On 2nd January, 2026 at about 10pm, a resident, Mrs. T.A Olorisha, reported at C Division, Oja Oba, that her house was set ablaze by unknown persons. The incident was said to have occurred on 1st January, 2026 at about 7pm, while she was away.
”The complainant alleged that she had received threats in November 2025 from some individuals, including Alhaji Salihu Saka 63 years, Alhaji Abubakar Salihu 58 years and Alhaji Yekini Olohuntele 67 years, allegedly over religious differences, as she is a traditional worshipper. All three suspects are currently in police custody, aiding investigations.
“No life lost, as no one was inside the building at the time of the incident. The value of the property destroyed is yet to be ascertained.
”The command assures members of the public that concerted efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other perpetrators, while all allegations are being diligently investigated.
”The Kwara State Police Command reiterates its commitment to protecting lives, property, and the fundamental rights of all residents, regardless of religious or cultural beliefs. Members of the public are urged to remain calm and provide useful information that can aid the investigation.”
PUNCH Online reported earlier that a woman and practitioner of traditional religion has accused residents of her Ilorin neighbourhood in Kwara State of carrying out a targeted arson attack on her home following repeated threats linked to her faith. (Punch)
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has commended the state chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) for their decision to resume duties on Monday, 5 January 2026, describing the move as “patriotic and people-oriented.”
Governor Adeleke said the return of local government workers represents a “positive development for grassroots governance” and highlights the labour movement’s responsiveness to the “yearnings and aspirations of the people.” He expressed optimism that the resumption will mark a fresh start for activated services and social delivery at the grassroots level.
Describing local governance as the most effective means of reaching residents, Adeleke said the labour leaders had shown confidence in responsible leadership.
He also praised police authorities for ensuring security at council secretariats ahead of the resumption.
“As much as I’m commending the NULGE leadership, I must also appreciate the Inspector General of Police, the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 11 and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for their commitment to provide security cover for the lawful resumption of activities at the various council secretariats,” the governor stated in a Saturday communiqué signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
“The police command has acted responsibly to prevent anarchy and violence being plotted by some elements.
The prompt action of the police has nipped in the bud any untoward happening across our secretariats. We hope to see the Command following through its directive against the evil plot to disrupt workers’ resumption of duty,” Adeleke added.
Transitioning to broader governance issues, the governor addressed the question of local government autonomy, stressing the importance of rule of law and due process.
“Our government is not opposed to local government autonomy. The presidential decision on local autonomy has good intentions of devolving good governance to the local level.
We support it. What we, however, advocate is that rule of law and due process must never be sacrificed on the altar of political shenanigans.
The constitution and the laws on the local government system must be complied with in financial, administrative and other matters. The rightfully elected leadership of the local government should also not be denied their legitimate rights to exercise their mandate. This has been our position,” the statement read.
Concluding his remarks, Adeleke welcomed the workers’ return and emphasised the role of peace and unity in delivering the dividends of democracy. “We welcome the workers’ resumption of duties. We commend the police and other security agencies for keeping our state peaceful. Only under harmonious conditions can the dividends of democracy be sufficiently delivered. We need peace, unity and adherence to democratic principles,” he said.
The resumption follows almost 11 months of industrial action by NULGE, which ended last Monday. The union’s president, Dr Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, outlined certain security requests for the resumption, including adequate deployment to all 30 local government councils, area offices and LCDAs to prevent “intimidation, harassment, or disruption of lawful duties” and to prevent “illegal occupation of these secretariats by unauthorised persons”.
The Osun State Police Command had earlier warned that unscrupulous politicians planning to disrupt the resumption would face decisive action.
The state Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Giwa-Alade, stated that “non-employees of LGA must not be seen near the premises of the council secretariats across the state,” while security personnel were directed to “deal firmly and professionally with anyone attempting to incite unrest or cause disturbances.”
CP Ibrahim Gotan reassured residents of the state of the police’s “unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property”, noting that personnel would continue to discharge their constitutional duties with “vigilance and professionalism”. (Guardian)
Four-time Grand Slam singles champion Naomi Osaka is feeling under the weather at the United Cup.
After losing her first match for Japan against Greece’s Maria Sakkari on Friday, Osaka said she got “really sick” over the Christmas holiday period and wasn’t operating at 100% during the 6-4, 6-2 loss.
Osaka was coughing at times during the match and appeared to lack energy. She said she likely caught an illness from her two-year-old daughter Shai.
“I have been dealing with some health stuff, so I’m kind of just happy to be out here right now,” Osaka said. “It’s not serious but I’m not operating at the percent that I want to be operating at, which kind of sucks, because I had a really good offseason so I thought I was going to do really well here.”
Osaka, who advanced to the U.S. Open semifinals last year, said she thinks she’s nearly finished with the illness.
“I’m at the tail end of that but still not amazing,” she said. “I’m just trying to get better every day. I had a cough, a runny nose, like all that nasty stuff, so hopefully it goes away before the Australian Open.”
The first Grand Slam event of the year starts in Melbourne on Jan. 18.
Stefanos Tsitsipas wrapped up victory in the match for Greece over Japan with a 6-3, 6-4 win against Shintaro Mochizuki. (JapanToday)
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