The Kwankwasiyya Movement has declared that the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is effectively dead following the resignation of its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on March 29, 2026.

Spokesman for the Movement, Habibu Mohammed, made this statement on Tuesday during an interview on Arise Television.

Mohammad, stated that the NNPP was synonymous with Kwankwaso, and his departure leaves the party without a platform in Kano and across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He was reacting to the recent defection of Kwankwaso from the NNPP into the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

“Everybody knows that the NNPP is synonymous with Kwankwaso and him leaving the NNPP automatically means that the NNPP is actually dead in Kano, and maybe beyond Kano, which might be seen to be dead across the nation.

“Just like what Kwankwaso meant for the NNPP in Kano, he will now be seen to be the ADC in Kano State, and it will be an interesting scenario.

“So many people believe in Kwankwaso and his principles. There will be a lot of influx into the ADC.

“And I believe from the recent happening, it is going to be a very interesting scenario in Kano, because there are several others that are actually going to come along, and this is the result of the fact that so many people believe that Kwankwaso is a man with principle, and he’s the man that doesn’t actually meander. He goes straight to the point.

“He’s somebody who is ready to actually say it as it is, and for both parties to understand.

“So there are so many politicians that knew very well that they can align with him, even if they have different opinions, but the fact that he can lead, he can provide direction, he can protect his own and he will be able to actually turn things around, so many other people are coming,” Mohammed said.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Tijani Fatai, has ordered the immediate and complete withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) from all traffic control and enforcement duties across the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, stated that the directive was part of efforts to streamline traffic management operations and ensure professionalism and accountability.

Adebisi noted that the withdrawal only affects traffic-related responsibilities, adding that all other duties and operational mandates of the task force remain in force.

The statement read, “The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, has directed the immediate and complete withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) from traffic control and traffic contravention enforcement across the state.

“This directive is part of ongoing efforts to streamline traffic management operations and ensure professionalism, accountability, and clarity in the discharge of duties. It is important to note that while the unit has been withdrawn from traffic-related responsibilities, all other assigned duties and operational mandates of the unit remain fully in force.”

The police also clarified that the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit is not the only task force operating in the state.

Residents and motorists were therefore advised to verify the identity of personnel and agencies before making allegations, particularly on issues relating to traffic enforcement.

The command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring that all operations in the state are carried out in line with the law.

It also urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and cooperate with legitimate security agencies.

The directive comes amid recent backlash against the task force operatives following allegations of extortion.

The controversy followed a viral video posted by ObjectvMedia, in which officials of the task force were accused of unlawful arrest and extorting money from motorists.

According to the video, a taskforce operative allegedly seized control of a driver’s vehicle, repositioned it on a one-way street to create false evidence of a traffic offence, and subsequently demanded payment.

The driver, in the footage seen by PUNCH Online, denied driving on the one-way route where the vehicle was captured.

A male voice in the video further alleged that the man was detained and later sent to prison despite contacting the task force chairman, Adetayo Akerele, who had reportedly promised to intervene.

The police authorities had since commenced an investigation into the incident.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday met with top security and intelligence chiefs to review the recent wave of violence in Plateau State and has summoned Governor Caleb Mutfwang to Abuja for urgent consultations.

The attack, which occurred on Sunday in Angwan Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area, left at least 28 people dead and many others injured.

Briefing journalists in Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the incident as regrettable but emphasised that it does not indicate a breakdown of security.

He added that security agencies have launched clearance operations to prevent reprisal attacks and reiterated the Federal Government’s deep concern and condolences to the people of Plateau State.

According to the minister, the President’s meeting with security chiefs aims to assess the situation and implement decisive measures toward a lasting solution.

He said, “A few hours ago, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, held a high-level meeting with the nation’s top security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation and take further decisive steps towards arriving at a lasting solution. Following this meeting, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has been invited by President Tinubu to further deliberate and chart a coordinated path towards lasting peace and security.

“The outcome of the meeting between President Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang will be made public in due course. These actions underscore the seriousness with which the Federal Government is treating this matter and its firm commitment to ensuring that all necessary actions are taken promptly and effectively.”

The Minister also stressed, ”While this incident is deeply regrettable, it is important to place it in context. Plateau State has, over time, experienced localised security challenges linked to communal tensions and criminal activities. What occurred does not represent a breakdown of national security, but rather a criminal act within a known conflict-prone area—one that is being actively and decisively addressed by the authorities.

“The federal government has directed all security agencies to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice. “There will be no safe haven for criminal elements anywhere in Nigeria. Ongoing operations are already generating actionable intelligence, and we are confident that those behind this attack will be held accountable.

“Let me reassure all Nigerians that the security situation in Plateau State is under control and is being actively managed. The Federal Government remains fully committed to protecting lives and property across the country, and we will continue to strengthen our intelligence capabilities, operational readiness, and inter-agency coordination to stay ahead of emerging threats.

“We urge all citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and to cooperate fully with security agencies. It is also important to avoid the spread of unverified information that could heighten tensions or undermine ongoing efforts to restore peace.

“Nigeria’s unity remains strong, and we must not allow criminal elements to divide our communities. The Federal Government will continue to act decisively, in collaboration with the Plateau State Government and all relevant stakeholders, to ensure lasting peace and security.

“Nigeria will not yield to fear. We will protect our people, and we will prevail.”

The Minister also exonerated the security agencies, saying that they took swift action to contain the situation.

He said, “Let me assure Nigerians that security agencies responded immediately to the incident. Troops under Operation Enduring Peace were rapidly mobilised to the scene following distress calls.

“The military and other security agencies cordoned off the affected area, secured key access routes, and launched targeted search-and-clearance operations to track down the perpetrators. “These swift actions ensured that the situation was quickly contained and prevented further escalation.

“This response is part of a broader and sustained Federal Government security architecture in Plateau State and the wider North-Central region. The Nigerian Armed Forces have continued to carry out clearance operations and intelligence-led missions across vulnerable communities following attacks recorded in recent months. Reinforced surveillance and troop deployments have also been implemented in high-risk areas, supported by joint military-police patrols and strengthened rapid response mechanisms. “These coordinated efforts are designed to neutralise threats proactively and maintain stability.”

He also added, “At the national level, the Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to security, as demonstrated through ongoing targeted military offensives and strategic deployments aimed at dismantling criminal and insurgent networks across the country. These efforts reflect a comprehensive and evolving approach to safeguarding lives and property.

“The Plateau State Government has also taken decisive and complementary measures in coordination with federal authorities. A 48-hour curfew was imposed in Jos North immediately after the incident to stabilise the security environment and support ongoing operations. The state government continues to work closely with security agencies to prevent reprisals, restore calm, and facilitate investigations.”