The first full week of 2026 brought Nigeria a sobering mix of loss, resilience, turmoil and new beginnings. From farewells in Nollywood and violent protests in Edo State to budget debates and fresh leadership appointments, the week reminded us that every new year carries forward both the weight of unresolved challenges and the promise of change. Here’s everything you may have missed between January 5-11, 2026.
Nigeria Takes Lead on Counter-Terrorism Operations
Following the US airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Sokoto State on Christmas Day, Nigeria announced that its air force will take over primary operations using intelligence from American reconnaissance flights. The arrangement represents a shift in the security partnership between the two nations, with Nigeria remaining open to future US support when needed.
Tragically, five farmers were killed in Kwande, Benue State, and at least five Old Oyo National Park security personnel lost their lives in a bandit attack in Orire, Oyo State, highlighting the continued security challenges across multiple regions.
Edo/Ekpoma Crisis Escalates
Ekpoma, the headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area in Edo State, became the center of major unrest last week over incessant kidnappings. The crisis escalated on Saturday, January 10, when angry residents and students of Ambrose Alli University took to the streets to protest the killing of Abu Momoh Tahir by suspected kidnappers on Friday night.
The protest turned violent when a military personnel shot 32-year-old Osagie Abraham, who is currently receiving treatment at Eromoele Medical Centre. The soldier involved has been identified for disciplinary action. Hoodlums hijacked the demonstration, chasing away Hausa traders at the livestock market, slaughtering their goats, beating cows, and attacking the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II. Vehicles, canopies, chairs, and cartons of Indomie noodles belonging to the traditional ruler’s wife were destroyed.
Governor Monday Okpebholo visited the palace and condemned the attack, promising decisive security operations. He revealed that nine kidnapped persons (including five children) were rescued unhurt on Friday after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to nearby forests, and two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles were recovered from the kidnappers’ camp.
As a result, Ambrose Alli University suspended resumption and ongoing examinations, while the Edo State Government postponed school resumption across Edo Central Senatorial District indefinitely. Peace has since been restored, with police arresting vandals and looters. Additionally, seven Fulani pastoralists were abducted in Bauchi State over the weekend.
2026 Budget Sparks Mixed Reactions
The Federal Government defended its N58.18 trillion 2026 budget, themed “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” with allocations including N5.41 trillion for defence and security, N3.56 trillion for infrastructure, and N3.52 trillion for education.
However, not everyone is optimistic. Economic experts cautioned that despite positive indicators like GDP growth of 3.98% in Q3 2025 and external reserves reaching a seven-year high of $47 billion, the budget may repeat fiscal mistakes of the past. Concerns were raised about project duplication and Nigeria’s debt servicing exceeding government revenue.
The International Monetary Fund projects Nigeria’s growth to slow toward three percent, with further moderation expected in 2026 due to weaker global demand and declining oil prices.
Tax Reforms Roll Out
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) replaced the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as part of recently enacted tax reform laws, representing what officials describe as a total institutional upgrade moving toward modern, digitalized revenue administration.
Rivers State Crisis Continues
Governor Siminalayi Fubara addressed ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, urging residents to remain calm and expressing confidence that peace will soon return. The Rivers State House of Assembly has continued impeachment proceedings against the governor, with the Assembly warning that no political solution would halt the process.
2027 Elections Already in View
Political positioning for the 2027 general elections has begun, with President Bola Tinubu receiving endorsements from South-East APC leaders. The Federal Government has allocated N1.01 trillion to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the upcoming polls.
Nollywood Mourns Allwell Ademola
The entertainment industry bid farewell to actress Allwell Ademola last week. The 49-year-old star, who passed away on December 27, 2025, from a heart attack, was laid to rest on Friday, January 9, at Atan Cemetery in Yaba, Lagos.
The burial ceremonies kicked off on Thursday, January 8, with a Service of Songs at LTV 8 in Ikeja, followed by a candlelight procession and an Artistes’ Night that featured emotional tributes from colleagues. Actress Biola Bayo was particularly moved, recounting how Ademola had been at her home celebrating her birthday just days before her sudden death.
On Friday, mourners dressed in white shirts and jeans gathered at the cemetery where Ademola was laid to rest beside her late father, Omoba Olukayode Micheal Ademola, who died in 2015. Colleagues including Liz DaSilva, Rotimi Salami, Biola Adebayo, Saidi Balogun, and Kunle Afod were in attendance. The family later expressed gratitude to everyone who attended, particularly her Nollywood colleagues who showed up in force.
Box Office & New Releases
Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” continued its impressive run, having crossed N1.1 billion to become Nollywood’s biggest film of 2025. New releases hitting cinemas include “Everything Is New Again,” an age-gap romantic drama from Inkblot Productions featuring Mercy Aigbe and Nancy Isime, “Alive Till Dawn”; Nigeria’s first zombie apocalyptic thriller and “The Split,” a banking thriller following three employees who make a risky decision involving an inactive account.
Dayo Amusa Elected AGN Vice President
Actress Dayo Amusa was elected as the new Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) National Vice President Southwest, marking a significant achievement in her career.
Veteran Actor, Yomi Gold, Suddenly Hospitalized
Actor Yomi Gold was hospitalized following a sudden health scare, prompting reactions from fellow actress Iyabo Ojo and the entertainment community.
Road Safety Concerns
A devastating road crash on the Yangoji-Abaji corridor in Abuja claimed 12 lives and left three injured, adding to the nation’s road safety challenges.
Industrial Fire Outbreak
A major fire outbreak at the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa, Ogun State, destroyed the foam production unit, causing millions of naira in property damage and triggering panic in nearby communities.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria enters 2026, expectations remain high for improved security, economic relief, and people-oriented policies. The government faces mounting pressure to address insecurity, reduce hardship caused by economic reforms, and deliver on infrastructure promises. With the nation’s young and growing population, experts emphasize that productivity-led growth—not just cyclical rebounds—is essential for sustainable development.
