Bandits attacked Chibauna community in Katsina State's Funtua Local Government Area, killing two people and abducting over 50 women.  The attackers also rustled livestock, including cattle and sheep. Some of the abducted women managed to escape and returned safely to their community.  A local councillor, Malam Abdurasheed, appealed to the military and security agencies to intervene and intensify security operations in the area to prevent further attacks and secure the release of those still in captivity. 

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has reportedly told Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave the club, citing the England international's poor defensive work rate and limited attacking contribution as reasons. This comes after Alexander-Arnold's struggles with injuries and inconsistent performances since joining Real Madrid from Liverpool last summer, featuring in only 11 matches across all competitions. The decision is said to be part of Arbeloa's efforts to restructure the team's defense, with potential suitors including Premier League clubs and Bayern Munich, who are looking to add a new right-back to their squad.

Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, has started his law studies at Northwest University, Kano, as a Level 200 student. He was seen attending lectures, dressed in a black gown and white head tie, blending in with his fellow students.  The university admitted him into the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme, recognizing his vast experience in governance, economics, and public service.  This move has sparked widespread praise, with many describing it as an inspiration to lifelong learning.

President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This meeting comes after Mutfwang's recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), making it his first meeting with Tinubu since the switch. Makinde, a second-term PDP governor, has been vocal about his support for Tinubu in the 2023 election, but expressed disappointment with the outcome, saying it fell short of Niger, saying it didn't meet expectations. 

Nigeria's police have confirmed that a group of worshippers was kidnapped from three churches in Kaduna state, after initially denying the incident.  The abduction occurred on January 18, with reports indicating that 172 people were taken, although 9 later escaped, leaving 163 still missing. The police have deployed tactical units and intensified patrols to rescue the victims and restore security in the area.  The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had verified the attacks and provided a list of the hostages. The incident has sparked widespread concern and criticism, with Amnesty International condemning the authorities' initial denial of the kidnapping. 

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sacked Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), ordering INEC to recognise the Nenadi Usman-led executive committee.  The court ruled that Abure's tenure had expired and declared the Usman-led committee as the legitimate leadership .

Morocco and Senegal are leading the pack in African football, with Morocco ranking 8th globally and Senegal at 12th, following their impressive performances in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. Morocco achieved a record ranking despite losing the final to Senegal, while Senegal jumped seven spots to reach their highest-ever ranking.  The top seven African teams in the latest FIFA rankings are: - *1. Morocco* (8th globally) - *2. Senegal* (12th globally) - *3. Egypt* (31st globally) - *4. Algeria* (28th globally) - *5. Nigeria* (26th globally) - *6. Ivory Coast* (37th globally) - *7. Tunisia* (47th globally) Nigeria and Cameroon made the biggest leap, climbing 12 spots each, with Nigeria ranking 26th and Cameroon 45th globally.

Senegal has made history by winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, defeating host Morocco 1-0 in a dramatic final.  Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in extra time, securing Senegal's second continental title. The match was marred by controversy, with Senegal walking off the pitch in protest over a penalty awarded to Morocco, but Sadio Mane convinced his teammates to return, and Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Diaz's Panenka penalty.