5 Key Things to Know — Monday, January 5

Start your week informed with the latest developments from around the world and across Africa. 

From high-stakes international events to local economic updates, here are the five key stories you need to know today.

U.S. military operation in Venezuela leaves 80 dead

The death toll from Saturday’s U.S. operation in Venezuela has reached 80, including civilians and security personnel, with more casualties expected as rescue efforts continue. The operation, called Absolute Resolve, resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President 

Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were flown to New York and are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn. Over 150 U.S. aircraft took part in airstrikes across northern Venezuela, while helicopters landed in Caracas to apprehend the leaders. Latin American countries, including Brazil, Colombia, and Chile, condemned the operation, and European nations questioned its legality.

AI-generated image sparks controversy in Nigeria

A presidential aide in Nigeria shared an AI-generated image of President Bola Tinubu meeting Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Paris, drawing public criticism. The image, which displayed a Grok watermark, was meant to depict a private lunch where the leaders discussed world affairs and Africa’s interests. 

Many questioned why an AI image was used instead of a real photo, but the presidency has not explained the decision.

Nigeria’s unemployment data still missing

Nigeria has not released unemployment figures for the third and fourth quarters of 2025, continuing a long delay that raises transparency and investor confidence concerns. The most recent data, covering the second quarter, showed unemployment at 4.3%, down from 5.3% in the first quarter. The National Bureau of Statistics has not provided a timeline for the missing figures.

NNPC subsidiaries’ debt surges to N30 trillion

Nigeria’s National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) reported N30.3 trillion in debts owed by subsidiaries as of December 2025—a 70% increase from 2023. Port Harcourt Refining Company tops the list with N4.22 trillion, followed by Kaduna Refining at N2.39 trillion and Warri Refining at N2.06 trillion. Experts say the spike points to structural and governance issues, and NNPC has begun divesting non-core assets to improve liquidity and attract investment.

South African petrol prices hit four-year low

South African motorists will see the price of 95-octane petrol drop to R20.75 per litre in Gauteng from 7 January, the lowest in nearly four years. Diesel prices will also fall by at least 7%. The decline follows a stronger rand, lower global crude prices, and government reforms, providing relief to consumers as fuel costs directly affect most goods.