1. Gunmen abduct over 150 worshippers in coordinated church attacks in Kaduna
Gunmen attacked three churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during Sunday services, abducting more than 150 worshippers. The affected churches include an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), a Cherubim and Seraphim branch, and a Catholic church.
Kaduna State lawmaker Usman Danlami Stingo confirmed the incident to the Associated Press, saying initial reports listed 177 missing, with 11 later released or escaping, leaving about 168 people unaccounted for as of Monday. Police and other security agencies are yet to issue a detailed statement, while community sources described the attackers as heavily armed.
2. Shettima commissions Nigeria House at World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos
Vice President Kashim Shettima has commissioned Nigeria House on the Davos Promenade during the 56th World Economic Forum in Switzerland. The pavilion serves as Nigeria’s official engagement space for investment meetings, policy discussions, and bilateral talks throughout the forum.
The facility is designed to showcase opportunities in infrastructure, renewable energy, the digital economy, and agriculture. Shettima is also expected to present Nigeria’s 2026 economic outlook during sessions at the forum.
3. Super Eagles rise to 26th in latest FIFA world rankings
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have climbed to 26th place in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings released on Monday, moving up 12 places following their third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The team is now ranked third in Africa, behind Senegal and Morocco. Nigeria won six of seven matches at the tournament under coach Eric Chelle, with the only loss coming via penalties in the semifinals.
4. Nigerian Army dismisses reports of mutiny over welfare concerns
The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports alleging an impending mutiny over salaries, allowances, and troop welfare, describing them as false. The clarification was issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, there is no evidence supporting the claims, and the army reaffirmed its commitment to personnel welfare, discipline, and operational readiness amid ongoing security operations.
5. Naira trades around N1,420 to dollar at official market
The naira opened trading at approximately N1,420.59 to the dollar on the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market on Monday, reflecting relative stability compared to recent sessions.
Economic officials attribute the steadiness to ongoing foreign exchange reforms, external reserve levels, and improved inflows from oil and non-oil sources.
6. Federal Government unveils new national housing strategy
The Federal Government has introduced a new national housing strategy aimed at addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit through land reforms, urban renewal initiatives, and public-private partnerships.
The policy includes measures to improve land access, provide incentives for developers, and expand affordable housing schemes targeted at low- and middle-income earners, with implementation expected across federal and state levels.
7. INEC deploys voter registration devices to remote areas in Osun
The Independent National Electoral Commission has begun deploying Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices to hard-to-reach communities in Osun State ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
INEC said the move is part of efforts to expand voter registration coverage and ensure residents in remote areas are included in the electoral process.
