The Oxford English Dictionary has broadened its vocabulary with 20 Nigerian words and expressions in its most recent update.

The newly included entries feature well-known terms such as “japa,” “agbero,” “eba,” “419,” and “abi,” among others.

These words, deeply embedded in the daily lives of Nigerians, underscore the influence of Pidgin English, street slang, and cultural expressions that are progressively gaining international recognition.

Notably, some of these words, like “japa” and “jand,” are listed as both nouns and verbs in the dictionary.

Pronunciation guides have been included to help non-Nigerians pronounce the words accurately.

Kingsley Ugwuanyi, a Nigerian English consultant for the Oxford English Dictionary, shared the update on LinkedIn on Tuesday.

He expressed enthusiasm about his involvement 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 (especially 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 recognized 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.”

Other words added include abi, adire (batik), area boy (lout), cross-carpet, cross-carpeting, eba, Edo, gele (headgear), jand (noun, verb), janded (adjective), Kanuri, Kobo, Naija, suya, Yahoo, Yahoo boy, and Yarn Dust.

The Lagos State Special Offences Court, on Wednesday, dismissed an application filed by former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Justice Rahman Oshodi, in his ruling, held that the court had the jurisdiction to try Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile.

The judge, however, struck out four of the 26 counts filed by the EFCC against the defendants for lack of jurisdiction.

“The objection challenging the court’s territorial jurisdiction over counts eight to 26 fails and is hereby dismissed.

“The prosecution has established sufficient territorial nexus in this case,” the court held.

To this end, the judge subsequently adjourned the case for trial continuation on February 24, 2025.

The EFCC had arraigned Emefiele on 26 charges, bordering on abuse of office and illegal allocation of $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.

At the last adjourned date on December 12, 2024, Emefiele’s counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case in Lagos.

The embattled Emefiele was suspended as CBN governor on June 14, 2023, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) reported that 34 terrorists were killed in a firefight with troops deployed to Sabon Gari village in the Damboa LGA of Borno state.

In a statement on Wednesday, Edward Buba, the director of defence media operations, revealed that the incident took place on January 4 when the terrorists, riding motorcycles, attacked the troops.

Buba explained that the terrorists had aimed to surprise the troops in retaliation for the recent killing of their commander and combatants.

“The terrorists were taken by surprise when troops on a fighting patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as it commenced,” the statement reads.

“Additionally, a reinforcement team comprising elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force, vigilantes, and hybrid forces arrived at the scene in time to overpower the terrorists.”

He mentioned that the reinforcement team encountered an improvised explosive device (IED), which injured the vigilante commander.

The DHQ spokesperson added that the air component of operation Hadin Kai conducted an air interdiction on the fleeing terrorists.

“Battle damage assessment revealed several terrorists were killed, and weapons were recovered,” he said.

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

Buba stated that the names of the personnel killed during the attack were being withheld to allow for administrative procedures in notifying their next of kin.

“Overall, the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain profoundly conscious of their role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation. Accordingly, troops remain committed to defeating the terrorists,” he added.