Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Sunday, January 4, 2026

Good morning, Nigeria. Here are the major headlines making news today, Sunday, January 4, 2026.

The United States has reportedly captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a reward of $50 million offered for information leading to their arrest over alleged international drug trafficking. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, describing it as a large-scale strike conducted in coordination with American law enforcement. Trump added that a press conference would provide further details. Meanwhile, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore indicated that additional airstrikes could occur in Nigeria, emphasizing that the operations aim to counter terrorism and protect civilians.

In a related development, President Trump announced that the U.S. will oversee Venezuela’s governance until new leadership emerges, citing concerns for the welfare of the Venezuelan people and the need to restore the nation’s oil infrastructure. He warned that political and military figures in Venezuela should take note of Maduro’s capture.

On the domestic political front, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is reportedly exploring a potential alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. This comes amid defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with political observers suggesting that such a coalition could reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape.

In Rivers State, the Ijaw Peoples Congress has declared its support for Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, shifting allegiance from Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The group cited Wike’s contributions to the Ijaw community as the reason for the change, even as tensions between Fubara and Wike remain high. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also suspended its Rivers State caretaker chairman, Nname Ewor, over his alignment with Wike, citing actions detrimental to the party. Wike has further warned that Fubara’s pursuit of a second term could be politically disastrous.

Security authorities have uncovered a suspected suicide bombing network in the North-East, identifying Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the ringleader behind recent attacks, including the December 24, 2025, bombing at Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri. Fourteen suspects were arrested during a military operation, and investigations revealed that Umar coordinated logistics, recruitment, and deployment of suicide bombers. Family members were also implicated in the terror network.

In entertainment news, Nollywood actress Allwell Ademola’s family has announced her burial arrangements. A Service of Songs is scheduled for January 8, 2026, followed by a candlelight procession, with the burial taking place on January 9 at Atan Cemetery in Yaba, Lagos.

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has returned to the United Kingdom after surviving a fatal accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which claimed the lives of his two close friends and team members. Joshua sustained minor injuries, while the driver involved has been charged with causing death by dangerous and reckless driving.

Finally, in sports, Mozambique’s head coach, Chiquinho Conde, expressed confidence in his team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 clash with Nigeria. Despite Nigeria’s strong form in the tournament, Conde emphasized his team’s readiness to compete and advance further.

These are the top Nigerian headlines for today.