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2026

Sports

Prenga cautions Joshua about his punching strength

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Albanian heavyweight boxer Kristian Prenga has admitted that Anthony Joshua’s punching power was too much to handle during their bout in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Prenga suffered the first knockdown of his career in the fight after Joshua recovered from being knocked down twice in the opening round and stopped him in the second round. The 35-year-old, who entered the bout with a 20-1 record, said Joshua’s power played a major role in the defeat, noting that he had never previously been knocked down, including during sparring. Prenga had initially stunned Joshua with a right uppercut that floored the British-Nigerian twice in the first round. However, Joshua quickly recovered and ended the contest in the following round. The fight marked a major step up in competition for Prenga, whose biggest victory before facing Joshua came against Joey Dawejko in 2024. After the victory, Joshua dedicated the win to his late friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, who died in a car crash in Nigeria in December. Joshua said the victory was about more than his punching power, describing the late men as his brothers and saying their deaths had been difficult for him and their families.

Elections, Politics

Makinde to Oriyomi Hamzat, Others: “Stop Abusing Me, I’m Not Contesting for Governor”

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged politicians seeking to succeed him in 2027 to stop attacking his administration and instead tell residents how they intend to improve the state. Makinde made the remarks on Monday during a programme in Ibadan, where he stressed that he would not be contesting the 2027 governorship election. The governor said those aspiring to succeed him should focus on presenting their plans to the people rather than criticising his administration over its shortcomings. He also appeared to respond to claims by Accord governorship candidate, Oriyomi Hamzat, who had said he played a role in bringing Makinde into the political race that eventually led to his emergence as governor. Makinde, whose second term ends in 2027, urged voters to hold all governorship candidates accountable by asking how they would build on his administration’s achievements, complete unfinished projects and correct identified shortcomings. He said the next governor should focus on addressing areas where his administration fell short rather than making criticism of his government the centre of their campaigns. Hamzat, the founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, declared his intention to contest the governorship election under the Accord Party in January 2026 and later emerged as the party’s candidate after its May primary.

Politics

Former Thai lawmaker kills local official over financial dispute.

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A former Thai lawmaker, Chalong Riewrang, has been arrested after allegedly shooting and killing a local government official during a financial dispute in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok. The incident occurred outside a government building on Monday, with Chalong later admitting to journalists at a police station that he was the shooter. According to the former lawmaker, he followed the official, Thongchai Yenprasert, to his vehicle to discuss money owed to him. He said he pulled out his gun after Thongchai refused to speak with him. Thongchai, chairman of the Nonthaburi local government administration, was shot in the neck and later died from his injuries after losing a significant amount of blood. His driver was also shot in the right arm but survived after undergoing surgery. Police said the dispute involved several million baht, reportedly money that Thongchai had borrowed from Chalong over several years. Authorities said CCTV footage showed Chalong firing his weapon at close range. A firearm was also found inside Thongchai’s vehicle, although police said it was not used during the shooting. Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, said authorities would take full legal action against Chalong, stressing that civilians are not legally permitted to carry guns in public. The shooting occurred just days after another gun attack in Nonthaburi in which a 14-year-old boy killed eight people before taking his own life, prompting renewed calls for stricter gun control in Thailand.

Banking

Despite Huge Profits, Only Six Banks Pay N1.27tn Dividends

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Only six of Nigeria’s major listed banks paid a combined N1.27 trillion in dividends to shareholders for the 2025 financial year, while five other profitable banks were unable to make payouts after failing to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s prudential requirements. The banks that paid dividends were GTCO, Zenith Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Wema Bank and FCMB. GTCO and Zenith accounted for 81.9 per cent of the total dividend payments. The report attributed the difference in dividend payments to factors including capital strength, regulatory compliance, rising non-performing loans and the need for some banks to retain capital to strengthen their balance sheets. According to analysts, the CBN’s restrictions were aimed at ensuring banks maintained adequate capital and protected depositors. Some affected banks also faced increased provisions for doubtful loans and foreign debt obligations, limiting their ability to distribute profits to shareholders. Despite the restrictions, experts said the outlook for the banking sector remained positive, with dividend payments expected to become more stable as banks strengthen their capital positions and meet regulatory requirements.

Crime

Gun Battle Claims Three Kidnappers of Ogun Poly Students

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Three suspected kidnappers who abducted students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, have been killed in a gun battle with security operatives. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the victims were rescued unharmed following sustained security operations. According to Iniedu, operatives of the police Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Department of State Services later tracked the kidnappers to their hideout, where they engaged them in a gun battle. Three suspects were killed during the encounter, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds. Security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, three mobile phones and N2.3 million from the operation. The State Criminal Investigation Department has commenced further investigation into the incident. The students were among residents abducted in the state and were rescued during a coordinated operation involving the police, military, DSS, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters. A police helicopter was also deployed for aerial surveillance during the rescue operation.

Crime

33 Abducted Passengers Regain Freedom in Zamfara

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Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 33 passengers abducted by terrorists in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The victims were travelling through the Magazu area of Tsafe when they were reportedly abducted. According to the Media Information Officer of the JTF, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, troops of Sector 2, alongside Nigeria Police Force personnel deployed in Tsafe, responded after receiving information about the incident on Saturday. Danja said the troops quickly mobilised to the area and encountered the terrorists while they were moving the abducted passengers to an unknown destination. He said the troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into nearby bushes. All 33 passengers were subsequently rescued. The troops also launched an operation to search the area and track the fleeing terrorists. Danja said the operation was conducted without any casualties, adding that the Theatre Command remained committed to protecting civilians, restricting terrorist activities and securing major transportation routes across the North-West.

Metro

NDLEA Raises Alarm Over Drugs Hidden in Cookies, Gummies

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has warned parents to monitor their children’s consumption of cookies and gummies following the discovery of cannabis-infused products being smuggled into Nigeria. The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, issued the warning on Sunday, saying recent seizures had exposed attempts by criminals to disguise illicit drugs as ordinary snacks. Babafemi urged parents to pay closer attention if their children frequently crave cookies and gummies, noting that some of the products could contain prohibited substances. The warning followed the seizure of two 40-foot containers by the Nigeria Customs Service at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. The containers reportedly contained thousands of cannabis-infused products, including Delta-8 pre-roll cookies, cannabis gummies and other infused cookies, concealed among legitimate imports such as used vehicles, generators, batteries and fabrics. The seized items, which originated from the United States, were packaged as colourful vegan and hemp-derived snacks in flavours such as pineapple guava and Thai mango. The consignment was estimated to have a street value of about 373.8 million naira before it was handed over to the NDLEA. The agency described the products as an emerging public health concern, particularly because their attractive packaging could appeal to children, students and other young people, potentially increasing the risk of accidental consumption of concentrated cannabis.

Education

Insecurity: Schools Shut Down Across 40 LGAs

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At least 65 primary and secondary schools have been shut down or rendered non-functional across several northern states due to insecurity. The affected schools are in Sokoto, Benue, Plateau, Borno, Kaduna and Kebbi, while insecurity has also disrupted academic activities in Katsina, Adamawa and other parts of the North. The closures followed terrorist and bandit attacks, abductions, displacement and fears of further attacks on students and teachers. Sokoto has recorded one of the most widespread disruptions, with schools in 20 of its 23 local government areas shut indefinitely, following a Federal Government directive. However, schools in Sokoto North, Sokoto South and Wamakko were exempted. Benue has also been heavily affected, with 35 schools identified as shut across Kwande, Gwer West, Guma and Logo LGAs. Some pupils have relocated to safer communities, while others have dropped out following the displacement of their families. In Borno, two schools in Askira-Uba were recently closed following attacks and student abductions. In Plateau, seven schools across Riyom and Barkin Ladi have also experienced disruptions. Education experts have warned that prolonged school closures could worsen Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis, while exposing children to risks including child labour, early marriage and recruitment by criminal groups. The Federal Government says it is strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative through a dedicated department and a new national framework involving security agencies. The plan includes perimeter fencing, solar lighting, security personnel, technology and monitoring systems. Experts, however, say urgent action is needed to restore security and reopen affected schools, warning that continued disruption could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s education system and the future of millions of children.

Foreign Affairs

UN Chief Raises Alarm Over Attacks on Nigerian Religious Communities

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The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has raised fresh concerns over attacks on religious communities in Nigeria, with its newly elected chairman, Asif Mahmood, naming the country as his top priority. Mahmood, speaking in an interview with OSV News, said the commission remained deeply concerned about violence linked to Islamic extremist groups, including Boko Haram, as well as conflicts between farmers and herders that have contributed to insecurity and displacement across parts of Nigeria. He said the commission’s focus was on seeing tangible improvements, including the recovery of kidnapped victims and ensuring that Nigerians could worship safely without facing violence. The USCIRF had previously called on the United States to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged systematic violations of religious freedom. Former US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria under the classification in 2025. Mahmood also criticised the Nigerian government, accusing it of failing to adequately respond to attacks on religious communities by non-state actors. He said USCIRF’s assessment was based on conditions faced by families and communities, including whether people could attend churches and other places of worship safely. Meanwhile, Mahmood said the commission had resumed its work after securing a quorum, but urged the Trump administration to fill three outstanding commissioner vacancies and appoint an ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. He stressed that USCIRF’s mandate covered people of all faiths facing religious repression and said its goal was to help anyone experiencing persecution because of their religion.

Sports

Falcons Fully Prepared for Quarter-Final — Babajide

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Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide says Nigeria are fully prepared for their crucial 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Cameroon. The defending champions will face the Indomitable Lionesses at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca at 6pm on Sunday, with a place in the semi-finals and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at stake. Nigeria finished second in Group C after a difficult start, while Cameroon topped Group D unbeaten. Babajide said the team understands the importance of the encounter and is ready for the challenge. “We are very excited to face Cameroon. We have played against them a couple of times before; we know their strengths, we are prepared, and ready to face them,” she said. The forward described the match as the biggest game of her career because of the opportunity to secure a World Cup ticket. She added that the team’s priority is to win, whether it is to defend their WAFCON title or secure qualification for the 2027 World Cup. Nigeria are aiming for a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, but must defeat Cameroon to keep their title defence alive. A victory will also guarantee the Super Falcons a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.