The Oxford English Dictionary has expanded its lexicon with 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its latest update.

The newly added entries include popular terms like “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi,” among others.

These words, deeply rooted in the everyday lives of Nigerians, highlight the influence of Pidgin English, street slang, and cultural expressions that are increasingly gaining global recognition.

Notably, some of the words, such as “japa” and “jand,” appear as both nouns and verbs in the dictionary.

Pronunciation guides have also been provided to assist non-Nigerians in accurately articulating the words.

A Nigerian English consultant to the Oxford English Dictionary, Kingsley Ugwuanyi, announced the update on LinkedIn on Tuesday.

He expressed excitement over his role in drafting the words and recording their pronunciations.

Ugwuanyi wrote, “I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Oxford Languages | OUP has officially published its latest updates, featuring an amazing collection of Nigerian English words that beautifully reflect Nigeria’s culture, creativity, and the unique ways we express ourselves as Nigerians.

“This time, I not only drafted most of the words but also had the incredible opportunity to provide their hashtag#pronunciations! So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my hashtag#voice bringing these words to life.”

Among the entries, “japa” is defined as “the emigration of Nigerians to other countries (esp. those in Europe or North America) in search of further education, employment, or economic opportunity.”

“Agbero” is described as “a person (usually a boy or young man) who works as a tout, typically at car parks and bus stops, collecting money from passengers and drivers, and ushering passengers onto vehicles. ”

The term “419,” widely known in Nigeria, is defined as, “Fraud (now usually perpetrated on the internet) involving requests for advance payment in return for a substantial share of a large amount of money, which ultimately is never given. Frequently as a modifier, as in 419 email, 419 scam, etc. Cf. yahoo n.2”

Here is the complete list of Nigerian words added to the OED:

1. 419

2. . abi

3. adire

4. agbero

5. area boy

6. cross-carpet

7. cross-carpeting

8. eba

9. Edo

10. gele

11. jand (noun, verb)

12. janded (adjective)

13. Japa (noun, verb)

14. Kanuri

15. Kobo

16. Naija

17. suya

18. Yahoo

19. yahoo boy

20. Yarn Dust

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has confirmed the arrest of a teacher following a viral video showing the suspect allegedly physically abusing a three-year-old boy at a school in Ikorodu.

The announcement was made in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.

The video, shared by Oyindamola, who identifies as #dammiedammie35, captured a female teacher slapping the child’s face.

The video was captioned, “Footage from Christ-Mitots School in Ikorodu, a teacher named Stella Nwadigo was witnessed mistreating and physically abusing a three-year-old boy, Abayomi Micheal.

The footage has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of our little ones in school.”

Reacting to the incident, the Lagos DSVA issued a statement expressing gratitude to those who brought the video to their attention.

The statement reads, “We appreciate everyone who brought the disturbing incident of a teacher who was recorded physically abusing a 3-year-old boy to our attention.

We are pleased to inform the public that the teacher in question has been arrested by Owutu FSU, and an investigation has commenced in earnest.

The agency reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting children, emphasizing that schools must be safe and nurturing spaces.

The statement added, “Indeed, institutions of learning should be safe, warm, and protective environments for all children in their care.

The State Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child by enforcing strict regulations, holding offenders accountable, and working with stakeholders to promote a zero-tolerance policy for abuse in any form.

The Defence Headquarters on Wednesday said over 34 terrorists and six troops lost their lives during a fierce encounter in Sabon Gari village, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, on January 4, 2025.

According to a statement by the Director, of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, the Islamic State of West Africa Province and Boko Haram terrorists, had launched an attack on troops stationed in the area to retaliate against the recent killing of their commanders and other combatants by troops.

Buba said the insurgents, riding on motorcycles and gun trucks, were met with stiff resistance when a patrol team returning to base foiled their planned ambush.

He said, “On January 4, 2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and Gun trucks engaged troops deployed in Sabon Gari village of Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State in a firefight. The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate against the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops.

Recall that PUNCH Online reported that terrorists linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province killed six soldiers in a raid on the Forward Operating Base located in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, two military officers told AFP on Monday.

“The terrorists were taken unaware when troops fighting a patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced. Additionally, the troop’s reinforcement team comprising elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force, vigilantes as well and hybrid forces timely arrived at the scene to overpower the terrorists.

“Furthermore, although troops’ reinforcement team encountered an Improvised Explosive Device injuring the Vigilante Commander. The reinforcement team arrived in time to decimate the fleeing terrorist. “

Buba added that the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdictions on the fleeing terrorists, noting that a battle damage assessment carried out confirmed the elimination of 34 terrorists and the recovery of 23 AK-47 rifles, over 200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and other weapons.

Buba said, “Furthermore, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorist. Battle Damage Assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons.

“On the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons were recovered. Troops also recovered with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Sadly, six personnel were killed in action.”

He, however, said the names of the deceased troops have been withheld pending the notification of their next of kin, urging the media to cooperate with them as regards this.

“Kindly note that the names of killed in-action personnel are withheld to allow administrative procedures of notifying their Next of Kin to be concluded. Accordingly, the media is requested to respect the process, please,” Buba said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation, stating that troops remain resolute in their mission to defeat the terrorists