Commissioner of Police orders immediate enforcement as IGP Disu targets rising security threats linked to unidentified vehicles

The Rivers State Police Command has commenced a major enforcement operation against vehicles with covered, defaced, unauthorised or missing number plates across the state, effective Monday, 15 June 2026. The crackdown follows a directive from Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at curbing criminal activities by ensuring all vehicles on public roads are easily identifiable.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the operation is being coordinated by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju. All Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers in Rivers have been directed to begin immediate implementation of the order. The police warned that vehicles found with covered or non-standard number plates risk being impounded and their owners prosecuted under existing laws.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns about the use of obscured number plates by individuals seeking to evade law enforcement or engage in unlawful acts within Rivers State and neighbouring South-South states. Authorities believe that proper vehicle identification is essential for effective policing and crime prevention in the region.

“This exercise forms part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to improve security surveillance and deny criminals opportunity to conceal their identities while operating,” Kaborlo said in the statement. The command stressed that no vehicle would be exempted from the checks, and called on residents to cooperate with officers during the period of heightened enforcement.

The police assured that normal traffic flow would be maintained as much as possible, but urged motorists to regularise their vehicle documentation immediately. As at press time, opposition parties and civil society groups had not issued formal statements on the measure.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/rivers-police-launch-crackdown-on-obscured-number-plates/

Federal Government yet to adopt recommendations as Nigerians raise concerns over cost of living and subsidy removal fallout

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised the Federal Government in Abuja to introduce new taxes on fuel and telecommunications services as part of measures to boost revenue, according to its latest economic assessment released this week. The proposals, which include extending Value Added Tax (VAT) to petrol and imposing excise duties on mobile calls and data, have sparked debate nationwide as at Friday.

According to the IMF’s report, Nigeria’s government revenue remains among the lowest globally relative to GDP. The global lender recommended several steps: applying VAT on petrol and other petroleum products, introducing excise taxes on telecom services such as calls and data, gradually increasing VAT rates over time, and reducing certain tax exemptions and customs waivers. The IMF said these measures would help fund critical sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education while reducing government borrowing.

The recommendations come at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with high inflation, rising food prices, and reduced purchasing power following the removal of fuel subsidy and recent currency reforms. Any new tax on fuel is expected to drive up transportation costs for both commuters and businesses across states like Lagos, Kano, Rivers, and beyond. Experts warn this could lead to a further spike in prices of essential goods due to higher logistics costs.

Millions also depend on mobile phones for communication, business, and education. Additional excise duties on telecom services could increase the cost of airtime, voice calls, SMS, and data plans—an issue that has drawn concern from civil society groups and economists alike. Dr. Aisha Yusuf of the Nigerian Economic Society said during a phone interview that “any new tax regime must consider the current hardship faced by ordinary citizens before implementation.” As at Friday evening, the Federal Ministry of Finance had not issued an official statement on whether it would adopt any of the IMF’s advice.

While the IMF recommendations remain non-binding advice for now—the final decision rests with the Federal Government and National Assembly—public debate continues amid fears that such measures may worsen living conditions for many Nigerians already affected by economic reforms. Whether policymakers will adopt all or part of these proposals remains uncertain.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/imf-nigeria-tax-recommendations-fuel-telecom-2026061511165832725

Iranian officials seek clarification on some deal terms as oil prices fall and markets react positively worldwide

United States President Donald Trump has declared the completion of a peace agreement with Iran, authorising the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and removal of US naval blockade, in a move expected to restore global oil supply. The announcement was made on Saturday via Trump’s Truth Social platform, ending months of heightened tensions that had threatened energy security and raised fears of wider conflict.

According to details provided by the US president, the deal includes a ceasefire between the two countries, temporary nuclear restrictions on Iran, and a commitment to discuss sanctions relief within a 60-day negotiation window. The order for free passage through the Strait of Hormuz—responsible for nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments—was issued immediately, with Trump stating: “Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”

This development follows weeks of mediation involving regional and international stakeholders aimed at de-escalating military hostilities in the Gulf. The US had earlier imposed a naval blockade around Iranian maritime routes, disrupting commercial shipping and contributing to volatility in global oil markets. The peace deal is widely seen as a significant breakthrough with potential implications for energy prices, trade flows, and Middle East geopolitics.

In his official post, Trump confirmed that both sides have agreed in principle to key terms: reopening of maritime routes; suspension of new US sanctions; monitored release of frozen Iranian assets; and a freeze on Iran’s nuclear expansion activities during talks. Draft terms also outline future negotiations on uranium enrichment levels and regional security arrangements. While Washington has presented the deal as complete, Iranian authorities have indicated that further clarification is required on some aspects before formal endorsement.

Oil prices dropped sharply following news of the agreement as traders anticipated increased supply from restored exports through the Strait. Stock markets responded positively, reflecting improved investor sentiment over reduced geopolitical risk. A formal signing ceremony is expected to hold soon in Switzerland to finalise outstanding details.

Observers say this marks one of the most significant developments in US-Iran relations in recent years. However, Iranian officials have not fully endorsed all provisions yet. As at Saturday evening, government sources in Tehran said discussions would continue on verification measures and final approval processes.

The resumption of normal shipping through the Strait is expected to ease pressure on energy-importing countries—including Nigeria—by stabilising global crude prices. Analysts note that any sustained improvement could boost Nigeria’s oil revenue projections for 2026 if global market stability is maintained.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/let-the-oil-flow-trump-declares-peace-deal-with-iran-done-orders-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz-see-list-of-deal-terms-2026061511083413465