1. National Power Grid Collapses, Triggering Nationwide Blackout
Nigeria experienced its first major national grid collapse of 2026 after transmission faults led to a widespread power outage across several states. The Transmission Company of Nigeria confirmed the incident, noting that the failure disrupted electricity supply to homes, businesses, and critical facilities, including hospitals. Engineers were deployed immediately as restoration work began across affected regions.
Officials attributed the collapse to faults on key transmission lines, while electricity distribution companies reported sharp drops in supply during the outage window. The incident once again exposed the fragility of the national grid, which has suffered repeated failures in recent years despite ongoing reform efforts.
2. Kano Governor Abba Yusuf Resigns from NNPP Amid Defection Speculation
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has resigned from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, citing unresolved internal disagreements within the party. The resignation, dated January 24, followed a wave of defections by lawmakers and local party leaders, further weakening the NNPP’s structure in the state.
The party’s national leadership rejected claims of deep factional crises and described the governor’s exit as a breach of trust. Political sources say Yusuf is expected to align with the All Progressives Congress, a move that could significantly alter Kano’s political landscape ahead of future electoral contests.
3. US Commits to Delivering Outstanding Military Hardware to Nigeria
The United States has pledged to release military equipment previously purchased by Nigeria but delayed over several years. The commitment followed recent bilateral security engagements between both countries. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu confirmed the development, stating that the equipment would strengthen Nigeria’s operational capacity.
The announcement comes amid renewed concerns over insecurity, with recent reports indicating dozens of killings and hundreds of abductions nationwide within weeks. Security officials say the hardware delivery will support ongoing counterterrorism and internal security operations.
4. Ongoing Search for Kaduna Church Abduction Victims
Security forces continued operations to locate more than 160 worshippers abducted from three churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Defence and police sources confirmed that troops remain deployed in surrounding forests, with intelligence gathering ongoing days after the January 18 attack.
Families of the abducted victims and church leaders have continued to demand updates from authorities. In a related development, a Catholic priest abducted in a separate incident was released after spending nearly two months in captivity.
5. Naira Holds Steady Around N1,420 to the Dollar
The naira traded around N1,420.5 to the US dollar at the official foreign exchange window on January 24, maintaining levels seen earlier in the week. Data from market trackers showed relative calm in currency movements, supported by external reserves nearing $46 billion.
Analysts said parallel market rates remained slightly higher, though the gap has narrowed in recent sessions. The currency’s stability followed sustained interventions and improved foreign inflows into the Nigerian market.
6. Minister of Works Meets World Bank Delegation on Infrastructure Strengthening
The Minister of Works met with a World Bank delegation to discuss strategies for improving Nigeria’s road infrastructure and accelerating project delivery. According to officials, discussions centered on funding models, execution timelines, and addressing long-standing bottlenecks affecting major highways.
The meeting forms part of broader engagements with development partners aimed at expanding transport networks and improving national connectivity, particularly in underserved regions.
7. Ogun Police Arrest 14 Suspected Cultists in Initiation Raid
Police in Ogun State have arrested 14 suspects during a raid on a suspected cult initiation ceremony in Ipara-Remo. Officers recovered weapons, charms, and vehicles at the scene, according to a statement from the state police command.
Authorities said the operation was carried out following intelligence reports and helped prevent a possible outbreak of violence. Investigations are ongoing, while the suspects remain in custody pending prosecution.
