The Oyo State Police Command has officially announced a massive, statewide crackdown on vehicles without valid registration and motorcyclists who conceal their identities while in transit. This enforcement, which is aimed at curbing a rising trend in criminal mobility and enhancing public safety, is set to begin in full on Monday, January 11, 2026. In a statement released on Friday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that the order came directly from the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, as part of a proactive strategy to deny criminals the tools of anonymity and strengthen crime prevention across the state. “The Oyo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, PSC (+), wishes to inform members of the public of proactive security measures being implemented by the Command to further strengthen public safety, curb criminal activities, and enhance crime prevention across the State,” the statement read. The police identified several primary targets for the upcoming operation, including unmarked vehicles, vehicles or motorcycles with covered, blinded, or fake plates, and unauthorised NANS or Dealer’s plates. Additionally, the crackdown will target motorcyclists who wear hoods or cover their faces with masks in a manner capable of concealing their identity. The police leadership emphasised that the grace period for compliance is coming to an end, warning that from Monday, tactical units and patrol teams will have a mandate to seize non-compliant vehicles. “Henceforth, any person found violating these directives shall be arrested, while the vehicle or motorcycle involved shall be impounded, and suspects prosecuted accordingly upon the conclusion of investigations,” Olayinka stated. These measures have become imperative following credible intelligence and operational assessments, which reveal that criminal elements increasingly exploit unmarked vehicles and disguised motorcyclists to evade detection and perpetrate crimes within local communities. In preparation for the enforcement, the Commissioner of Police recently held a sensitisation meeting with the leadership and representatives of commercial motorcyclists across the state to discuss the new security regime. During the engagement, according to the statement, the CP issued a stern warning that any individual or group found using motorcycles as cover for criminal activities will be made to face the full weight of the law. To enhance collaboration and community policing, he also shared his personal contact with the union leadership to encourage the timely flow of credible intelligence while assuring them of confidentiality and a swift police response. The Command further stressed that routine stop-and-search operations, checkpoints, and intelligence-driven patrols remain lawful and effective tools for crime prevention and will continue to be deployed strategically across the state. “The Command emphasises that routine stop-and-search operations, checkpoints, and intelligence-driven patrols remain lawful and effective tools for crime prevention, and they will continue to be deployed strategically across the State in the interest of public safety,” the statement added. This move is in line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IG Kayode Egbetokun, which prioritises proactive policing and strong partnerships with the public. Residents are enjoined to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and security-conscious as the enforcement date approaches. The public is encouraged to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines. The Commissioner of Police expressed appreciation for the continued cooperation of residents and assured that the Command, under his leadership, will continue to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and accountability. For emergencies, the public can contact the Oyo State Call Response Center via the toll-free line 615 or the Police Control Room at 08081768614 and 07055495413. THENEWSCREDIT earlier reported that gunmen invaded the National Park Service office in Oloka, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, leaving four personnel feared dead, and one other in critical condition. It was gathered that the attack occurred at about 9pm. Preliminary reports revealed that at least five personnel of the National Park Service were affected during the assault.

The Ashipa of Ogbomosoland, Chief Olusegun Adekunle, has called for heightened vigilance, improved intelligence sharing and stronger community participation in security efforts following a bandit attack on park rangers at Oloka Village, near the Old Oyo National Park. Anti terrorism equipment In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, the Ashipa described the attack, in which the rangers were killed while on lawful duty, as painful and deeply disturbing, noting that it had unsettled residents of Ogbomosoland and neighbouring communities. He said the incident once again highlighted the persistent security challenges confronting settlements around the Old Oyo National Park axis, an area prone to criminal activities due to its expansive forest reserves and porous boundaries. Adekunle, however, observed that security presence and surveillance in the area had improved since the attack. Commending security agencies for what he described as their difficult and hazardous assignment, the Ashipa said operatives continued to make significant sacrifices to protect lives and property. He urged the public to support their efforts through cooperation and the timely provision of credible intelligence to enhance operational effectiveness. Adekunle stressed that security should be regarded as a collective responsibility, calling on residents to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious activities and avoid actions that could aid criminal elements. Placing the incident within the broader South-West security framework, he said the attack underscored the importance of the regional security fund established by South-West governors to strengthen intelligence gathering, logistics and coordinated responses across state boundaries. He noted that sustained funding and transparent utilisation of the initiative were critical to addressing emerging security threats, particularly in border communities. The Ashipa also highlighted the role of the South-West Development Commission in complementing security efforts at the grassroots, stressing that improved community-level security was essential to boosting economic activities, especially farming, which remains central to livelihoods in Ogbomosoland and surrounding areas. He noted that Ogbomosoland occupies a strategic position, sharing a boundary with Kwara State, where a number of security incidents have been reported in recent times. According to him, this makes cross-border collaboration and intelligence sharing imperative to curbing the movement of criminal elements. Adekunle further commended traditional rulers across the five local government areas of Ogbomosoland for their stabilising roles and called for stronger collaboration among them to mobilise communities, deepen grassroots intelligence and promote peace. He offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the park rangers who lost their lives in the attack and for comfort for their families, describing the fallen officers as heroes whose sacrifice should strengthen unity and collective resolve against insecurity in the region.

Scores of residents of Oloka village in Oriire local government area of Oyo State have fled their various homes to seek accommodation elsewhere. THENEWSCREDIT gathered that this development is coming few hours after some suspected gunmen killed five forest rangers at Old Oyo National Park. The park is located in Oloka village in Ogbomoso geopolitical zone of Oyo State. Our correspondent gathered that some gunmen opened fire and killed 5 forest rangers at the park Tuesday night. https://www.thenewscredit.com/pstreda.php?zid=5695ea68011359 The state police command, in its reaction, confirmed the killing of the forest rangers. Public Relations Officer of Oyo State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade in a statement made available to THENEWSCREDIT noted that the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna has visited the scene of the incident. He added that the CP has ordered the deployment of more personnel to secure the area. THENEWSCREDIT, however, gathered that some residents of Oloka village where the park is located have deserted their various houses since the attack. Reports said despite the promise of more security presence, many of the residents are yet to return to their various houses as at the time of filing this report on Friday. It was learnt that many houses were deserted as at Friday. Residents of the village who spoke urged the government to beef up security presence in the area. They also called for the establishment of security posts around the area. A resident who spoke with THENEWSCREDIT on the condition of anonymity on Friday noted that many houses have been under lock and key. He added that many residents of the village left their houses shortly after the incident and are yet to return. He said “You know that they killed five people at the park. The village has been deserted since then. The assailants came around 10.00 pm on Tuesday and many people left immediately. “Many of the people who left are yet to return. Many houses are under lock and key.” Another resident called on the government and security agencies to provide more security in the village. He also called for the establishment of security posts in the area.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually take shape, political activities across Nigeria are heating up. Party defections, internal crises within major parties such as the PDP, LP, NNPP, ADC and others, as well as emerging fault lines even within the ruling APC, now dominate the political landscape. However, beyond defections and party disputes, one issue has captured growing public attention: the steady erosion of political godfatherism. From 2023 to date, Nigeria has witnessed a familiar but increasingly bold pattern, governors who emerged through the influence, resources and political machinery of powerful benefactors later breaking ranks with those same godfathers. Once-installed protégés are now asserting independence, often at great political cost. In Nigerian political parlance, a godfather is an influential figure who installs a candidate into office using power, money, structures or political clout, with voters often aligning out of loyalty or fear rather than policy conviction. While this practice has long shaped electoral outcomes, recent developments suggest its dominance is weakening. Kano: Kwankwaso vs Abba Yusuf One of the most striking examples is unfolding in Kano State, where relationship between Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his political mentor, former governor and NNPP leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has deteriorated sharply. The crisis revolves around reports that Governor Yusuf is planning to defect from the NNPP to the APC. Kwankwaso is said to have openly opposed any such move, stating that Yusuf would not join forces with APC leader Abdullahi Ganduje with his blessing. Despite this resistance, political insiders say arrangements to welcome the governor into the APC are already far advanced and January 12 has already been fixed as the “deal” date. Observers have expressed surprise at the speed and intensity of the fallout, especially given Yusuf’s past loyalty to Kwankwaso. The rift has since spilled onto social media, where supporters of both camps trade words daily. The division has also cut across the political structure of the state, with commissioners, local government chairmen, lawmakers at state and federal levels openly choosing sides. The crisis has already claimed a casualty within the NNPP. The party’s state chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, believed to be loyal to Kwankwaso was removed and replaced with Abdullahi Abiya, a known ally of Governor Yusuf. Speaking with our correspondent on Tuesday, Kano State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described a possible defection by Yusuf to the APC as “a blessing” for the state. “Kano has lost a lot because we are not in the ruling party. Many federal projects that should come to the state are not coming because of party differences. If the governor moves, it will be for the good of Kano, and we only pray that Allah reconciles Governor Abba Yusuf and his political leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.” Waiya said. For now, Governor Yusuf remains in the NNPP, but analysts believe it is only a matter of time before he makes a final decision. Meanwhile, Kwankwaso’s camp is reportedly preparing for a major political showdown ahead of 2027. Kaduna: El-Rufai and Uba Sani’s fall out A similar power struggle has played out in Kaduna State between former governor Nasir El-Rufai and his successor, Governor Uba Sani. Tension becames public in early 2024 when Uba Sani accused El-Rufai, his political benefactor, of leaving the state in deep financial trouble, claiming Kaduna was struggling to even pay workers’ salaries. El-Rufai strongly denied the allegation. The crisis escalated when the Kaduna State House of Assembly accused El-Rufai’s administration of financial impropriety involving contract funds. The lawmakers directed anti-graft agencies to investigate the former governor’s ex-chief of staff and former commissioner for finance. While El-Rufai has since moved to the ADC, Sani remains in the APC. A true test of leadership is expected come 2027. Jigawa: Quiet but growing tension In Jigawa State, political watchers also point to a growing rift between Governor Umar Namadi and his predecessor, former governor Badaru Abubakar. While the disagreement has remained relatively subdued, insiders say relations between both camps are increasingly strained. Yusuf Ahmed, a political analyst from the state told our Correspondent that it will be a “clash of the titans as preparations for 2027 begin. All is not well between the governor and the former governor.” Rivers: Wike–Fubara Showdown The political crisis between former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and his protégé-turned-rival, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, escalated into a full-blown confrontation that engulfed the State House of Assembly and local government councils. Although the crisis appeared to subside after Governor Fubara backed down and sought reconciliation, following his suspension from office for six months and the appointment of an acting administrator, the underlying tension has continued to linger. In a bid to end the conflict altogether, Governor Fubara defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, recent actions from both leaders have showed that the dispute is far from over, as political undercurrents continue to signal lingering instability in the state. Wike had during a recent tour of the state insisted he remains the only leader in the state. His body language indicated he is picking another candidate for 2027 election. The House of Assembly members loyal to the FCT minister have equally commenced an impeachment move against the governor. Not a new phenomenon Recall that clashes between godfathers and their protégés are not new in Nigeria. Historical examples abound. In Kano, the ideological alliance between Malam Aminu Kano and Governor Abubakar Rimi collapsed in 1982, Rimi eventually left the PRP, joined another party and contested against his former mentor, only to be defeated by a new PRP candidate backed by Aminu Kano. In Oyo State, the late political strongman Lamidi Adedibu orchestrated the impeachment of Governor Rashidi Ladoja in 2006 after both fell out. Similar godfather-protégé crises have played out in Sokoto between Attahiru Bafarawa and Aliyu Wamakko, and earlier between Yariman Bakura and Mahmud Shinkafi, rifts that still shape Sokoto politics till date. Experts weigh in Professor Kamilu Sani Fage, a political scientist at Bayero University, Kano, told THENEWSCREDIT that godfatherism has no place in a true democracy. “Democracy has nothing to do with godfathers,” he said. “This practice only thrives in Nigeria. In most cases, godfathers do not support candidates for public interest but for personal gain. That is why these arrangements always collapse.” According to him, the collapse of godfatherism is healthy for democracy. “Wherever godfatherism exists, conflict is inevitable. Its decline will allow governors to serve the people freely without undue interference.” Divided opinions Not all political actors agree. Umar Kyari, spokesperson of the PDP in Jigawa State, insists that godfatherism remains unavoidable in Nigerian politics. “In Nigeria, politics cannot work without a godfather; someone who mentors you and brings you into the system,” Kyari told THENEWSCREDIT. “The problem starts when relationships are not built on trust and sincerity,” he said. He added that godfathers should step back after elections and allow elected officials to govern independently. Similarly, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, ADC governorship candidate in Kano during the 2023 elections, argued that many politicians lack the capacity to succeed without strong backing. “Some people cannot stand on their own. Their success depends on guidance and support,” he said, adding that betraying one’s godfather is morally wrong. On Kano politics, Khalil was blunt: “Without Kwankwaso, Abba Yusuf would not have become governor. Anyone who voted for Abba did so because of Kwankwaso.” 2027: What next? As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 elections, political analysts expect more confrontations between godfathers and their political offspring across party lines. Whether this signals the end of godfatherism or merely a reshaping of old power structures remains an open question, but one thing is clear, loyalty is no longer guaranteed, and authority is increasingly contested.

ABUJA — Former Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has raised the alarm over Nigeria’s deepening poverty crisis, saying the country is sliding backwards as politicians remain fixated on power struggles and control of party structures. In a statement, yesterday, Obi said about 141 million Nigerians, 62 percent of the population, are now living in poverty, describing the situation as a grave national failure and a threat to the country’s future. “As we politicians scramble for positions and vie for control of party structures, often sharing posts even before elections are concluded, a harsh truth confronts our nation: a staggering 62 percent of Nigerians, roughly 141 million people, are ensnared in poverty,” Obi said. He cited World Bank data showing a sharp rise in poverty levels in recent years, noting that the number of Nigerians living in poverty increased from 81 million in 2019 to approximately 139 million in 2025. According to him, the situation worsened significantly within a single year, as poverty figures rose from 115 million in 2023 to 129 million in 2024, pushing 14 million more Nigerians into hardship. “Projections for 2026 suggest that this figure will reach around 141 million, meaning an additional 26 million Nigerians will be thrust into poverty between 2023 and 2026. “It is estimated that by 2026, an overwhelming 141 million people, 62 percent of the population, will be living in poverty “Low-income households are especially at risk, as food constitutes up to 70 percent of their total spending, leaving them acutely vulnerable to food inflation and price shocks. “A sustained increase in poverty could unravel public finances, erode human capital, and impede economic recovery unless we see robust job creation, productivity growth, and effective social protection programs. “Meanwhile, Nigeria has witnessed a rise in poverty from about 40 percent in 2000 to a distressing 62 percent today. “By 2025, while India and Bangladesh surged to 0.685, and Indonesia rose to 0.74, Nigeria languished at 0.53, remaining entrenched in the low human development category after 25 years. “The fact that 141 million Nigerians are living in poverty is not merely a national failure, it is a blatant threat to our future. The time for complacency has passed,” Obi said. Meanwhile, Obi has also faulted the failure to pay match allowances owed to members of Nigeria’s senior national football team, the Super Eagles, describing the situation as an embarrassing reflection of the country’s misplaced priorities and poor sense of obligation. Obi made the remarks while reacting to reports that the players were still being owed agreed match bonuses despite their ongoing campaign and morale-boosting performances for the country. “Can we get through a day without troubling news in this country?” Obi asked.“ “At a time when Nigerians need joy and unity, something the national football team, the Super Eagles, has been providing by winning matches and lifting our spirits worldwide, these same players are being denied their basic match allowances,” he said. Obi contrasted the situation with what he described as the ease with which huge public funds are written off or spent on projects that do little to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians, arguing that the inability to settle players’ allowances exposes distorted national priorities. “A country that writes off trillions in debts for government agencies and political allies, and squanders money on grandiose, self-serving projects, now struggles to pay the basic match bonuses owed to our players.“ “Nigeria deserves a better international image than this ongoing failure to honor previously agreed-upon allowances before the tournament. “The Super Eagles do not deserve this embarrassment or the avoidable distractions ahead of a crucial quarter-final match,” he said. Obi stressed that the issue goes beyond sports, insisting that national credibility depends on the ability to keep commitments, no matter how small.““Nigeria must learn to fulfill its obligations,” he said.

Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, also known as Portable, has called out his father, Mr Olalomi, accusing him of taking away his clothes and other personal belongings. In a video broadcast, the Zazu crooner while comparing his dad to late singer Mohbad’s father, claimed that his dad has been after his possessions and properties. Portable stated that his life was more stable when his father was not in the picture. He explained that his dad did not sponsor his education nor pay for his skill acquisition fee when he was learning tailoring. Expressing his frustration, Portable said, “My dad’s presence in my life is doing me more harm than good. My life was better and more stable when he wasn’t in the picture. “When I was younger, he didn’t take care of me. He did not send me to school. He did not pay for my tailoring apprenticeship fee. “His presence is affecting my life negatively. My dad is like Mohbad’s dad. He has taken all my shoes and clothes and he is just after my properties.”

No progress has been recorded on the bandits demand for N300m ransom for the release of nine victims abducted in Adanla community of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara state on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025, our correspondent reports. Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch for Kwara South Senatorial District, Zubair Olaitan, disclosed this on Wednesday. THENEWSCREDIT gathered that the bandits have so far made three contacts with the community leaders that “if the N300m is not paid, the victims will not be released.” The bandits seized the nine victims in an attempt to abduct the King of the community, and his wife on Boxing Day, but failed. The King, David Olarinoye, was away to Igbaja town for a programme when the armed bandits invaded his community. The bandits, however, later seized nine other victims in the community and marched them to the bush. While seven victims were abducted at the palace of the King, two others were captured on their way to the bush. Following the abduction, the bandits demanded a N300m for the release of the abducted victims, resisting any negotiations for reduction of the ransom.

The Oxford English Dictionary has added several Nigerian-origin words in its latest update, reflecting the growing global influence of the nation’s language, culture and cuisine. The December 2025 update, released on the OED website on Wednesday, features more than 500 new words, phrases and senses, including internet slang such as “DM”, “brainfart” and “chug”. Over 1,000 existing entries were also revised, while editors explored the histories of words such as “troll”, “coffee” and “snooker”. The update includes additions from varieties of English used around the world, including West African English, Maltese English, Japanese English and South Korean English, with OED editors noting the growing global influence of these Englishes. Among the Nigerian entries are everyday expressions and food items, including “nyash,” “mammy market,” “amala,” “moi moi,” “abeg,” “biko,” and “Ghana Must Go.” The update included “Afrobeats”, defined as “a style of popular music incorporating elements of West African music and of jazz, soul, and funk.” The dictionary describes “abeg” as an interjection used to express contextually a range of emotions, such as surprise, exasperation, disbelief. “Biko”, originally from the Igbo language, is defined as an adverb and interjection used in polite request or agreement, or to add polite emphasis or urgency: ‘please’.” “Nyash” is defined as “a person’s (esp. a woman’s) buttocks; the bottom, the backside.” Also added is “Ghana Must Go”, the popular name for the large, chequered plastic bags widely used in West Africa, whose expression traces back to the 1983 mass expulsion of undocumented Ghanaian migrants from Nigeria. It is defined as “A large, zippered bag made of durable plastic with a colourful check pattern, often used for carrying one’s…” The term “mammy market” was recognised as “a market typically run by women, originally found in military barracks but later also in youth service camps and educational institutions.” In the category of cuisine, the dictionary included “amala”, a staple food made from yam or cassava flour, defined as “a kind of dough made of yam, cassava, or unripe plantain flour, typically formed into a ball and served as an accompaniment to other dishes” and “moi moi”, a dish originating among the Yoruba people, “consisting of beans ground into a smooth paste, mixed with peppers, onions, dried…” The Oxford English Dictionary expanded its lexicon with 20 Nigerian words and expressions in a January 2025 update, highlighting the influence of Nigerian English, Pidgin and street slang on global vocabulary. The additions included everyday terms such as japa, agbero, eba, a staple food made from cassava flour. Other entries such as 419, referring to internet fraud, and abi, a common conversational tag, also made the list.

Super Eagles players and coaches have refused to travel to Marrakech due to unpaid bonuses. This was revealed by BBC Africa journalist, Oluwashina Okeleji, who is in Morocco. Nigeria are billed to take on Algeria in the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday evening. But it is understood they have not paid their bonuses for the four matches they have played. Eric Chelle’s men beat Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in the group fixtures, before they thrashed Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16. They have taken the decision not to travel or train anymore until the bonuses issue is resolved.

IBADAN — Governor Seyi Makinde has strongly condemned a "senseless and devastating" cross-border attack by bandits on the National Park Service (NPS) office in Oloka Village, near Ogbomoso, which resulted in the tragic deaths of five forest guard officers on Tuesday night, January 6, 2026. The attack occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m. in the Oriire Local Government Area. Preliminary investigations by security agencies suggest the perpetrators were bandits who crossed state borders to carry out the assault before retreating. In a statement released Wednesday, Governor Makinde described the loss of the personnel as a "devastating blow" to the state`s security architecture, noting that the officers were killed while carrying out their lawful duties to protect the nation’s natural resources. “This is a heartbreaking loss of dedicated personnel,” the Governor stated. “Our administration will leave no stone unturned to respond decisively and prevent a recurrence of such attacks. We are committed to ensuring that those who seek to disrupt the peace of Oyo State are brought to justice.” The Governor appealed for calm among residents of Oriire and other border local government areas, confirming that normalcy has been restored following the deployment of additional security personnel to the region. A combined team of security agencies, including the military and police, has been deployed to flashpoints along the Ogbomoso border to forestall further incursions. Authorities are urging residents to cooperate with security forces by providing actionable intelligence to aid ongoing investigations. The Oyo State government has vowed to strengthen the protection of its forest reserves and parks, ensuring they do not become safe havens for criminal elements. The Oyo State Police Command, through Public Relations Officer Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident and noted that a manhunt for the attackers is currently underway.