Why banks close 229 branches in Nigeria
Nigeria’s banking sector closed 229 physical branches in the past year as customers increasingly prefer electronic payment channels, especially Point of Sale (POS) terminals, over visiting bank halls, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) 2024 financial sector statistical bulletin shows. According to the report, the total number of Deposit Money Bank branches nationwide dropped from 5,373 in 2023 to 5,144...
Kwankwaso to Gov Yusuf: Quit office before leaving party
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former governor of Kano State, has urged current Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to resign as governor if he plans to leave the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and pursue other political options. Kwankwaso’s comments come amid rumours of a widening rift between him and his long-time protégé, Governor Yusuf —...
Why Gov Yusuf’s defection to APC was postponed
The much-anticipated defection of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been postponed. Reports indicate the initial date of Monday, January 5, 2026 for the formal move has been shifted to Monday, January 12, 2026. Sources close to the governor say he requested the extension during a meeting...
Tensions rise as Trump targets Colombian President over Venezuela action
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, telling him to “be careful,” following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. In a video shared by BRICS News on X, Trump defended earlier remarks he made about Petro, accusing Colombia of being involved in cocaine production. “He’s...
Rice double sends Arsenal six points clear after win at Bournemouth
Declan Rice scored two goals to put Arsenal six points clear at the top of the Premier League table via a 3-2 win over Bournemouth on Saturday. Evanilson gave Bournemouth the lead in the 10th minute on England's south coast, stroking home after an uncharacteristically sloppy pass from Gabriel Magalhaes. Gabriel made up for his error just five minutes later, converting...
Troops discover hidden ammunition in Maiduguri drainage
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have uncovered a stash of high-calibre ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway area of Maiduguri, strengthening ongoing security efforts across the North-East. The discovery followed continuous patrols and intelligence-led operations aimed at restricting the activities of criminals and terrorists. According to a statement by OPHK media officer, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, troops received a report at...
Trump releases picture of handcuffed Maduro, says US’ll run Venezuela until…
United States President Donald Trump has released a photo of a handcuffed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, hours after he was captured, along with his wife, by U.S. forces in Caracas. Trump shared the president’s picture on Truth Social on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The Venezuelan president appeared on noise-canceling ear muffs, dark glasses, and grey Nike-branded sweatpants and jacket. According to Trump, Maduro was photographed on board a United States navy...
Anthony Joshua returns to London after fatal crash in Nigeria
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has reportedly flown back to London, the United Kingdom, after a fatal car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends. Joshua was said to have landed at London's Stansted Airport in a private jet on Friday evening. His return comes after the Nigeria Police Force charged the 46-year-old driver of the vehicle,...
Bello Muhammad Zaki dumps NNPP, joins ADC
A member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kazaure Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Bello Muhammad Zaki, has announced his resignation from the party, saying he is moving to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a resignation letter addressed to the NNPP chairman of Unguwar Gabas Ward and dated January 1, 2026, Zaki said the decision followed...
Police arrest three over alleged arson on traditional worshipper’s home in Kwara
The Kwara State Police Command says three people have been arrested over a suspected arson attack on a house in Ilorin, reportedly linked to religious disagreements. In a statement released on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said officers have launched a full investigation into the incident, which occurred in the Isale Koko area of the state...
