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The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians that terrorists and bandits are suffering heavier casualties in ongoing military operations across the country.

Speaking after a security briefing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Musa said the armed forces had come to clarify what he described as “slanted reports” by the media.

“We came here to brief Mr. President on the current situation on the ground. There have been series of attacks, and our security forces have risen to the occasion,” Musa said. “Sometimes the interpretation, especially in the media, has not been accurate. We felt it was necessary to put the record straight.”

He added, “Contrary to what you may read or hear, the terrorists and bandits are taking more casualties. Their commanders are being killed every day. We are confident of victory.”

The Defence Minister acknowledged the losses suffered by the military but stressed the continued commitment to national security.

“We’ve lost a number of very courageous officers and men, which is highly regrettable. But we want to assure Nigerians of the commitment we are putting on the ground to ensure the country is safe and secure.”

On support from the presidency, Musa revealed that President Tinubu has promised new equipment to enhance the armed forces’ capability.

“The President has pledged more equipment for us to better protect the nation, and with that support, we are confident in our victory,” he said.

Musa also appealed to Nigerians to remain resilient. “Our appeal to Nigerians is not to get tired or discouraged. Sometimes, when you hear certain news, you might think that’s the full picture, but it is far from that. The terrorists and bandits are the ones suffering more.”

Details of Tinubu’s meeting with service chiefs emerge

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has lamented the surge in price of petroleum products in Nigeria amid the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.

In a post on his verified X handle on Thursday, Obi said many people wonder why any adverse development in the global economy quickly impacts Nigeria.

He said that a recent example is the tension involving Iran, which led to an increase in global oil prices and, subsequently, a rise in petroleum prices in Nigeria.

“A few weeks ago, petrol was selling for less than ₦1,000 per litre, but today it costs over ₦1,200 per litre. Diesel, which was also priced below ₦1,000 per litre, is now over ₦1,500 per litre. These rapid increases illustrate how quickly external shocks can affect the Nigerian economy.

“The reason for this is straightforward: most countries, whether they are oil-producing or non-oil-producing, maintain strategic petroleum reserves to cushion against supply or price shocks.

“This means that when there is a disruption in the global oil market, they can release part of these reserves to stabilize supply. However, Nigeria lacks such a buffer, so the impact is felt almost immediately.

“The underlying issue is a lack of planning. Countries that engage in planning create buffers against shocks, while those that do not remain vulnerable to them. The old maxim remains true: when a country fails to plan, it has already planned to fail,” he wrote.

Fuel price hike: Nigeria fails to plan – Peter Obi

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has said the FCT Administration will provide the necessary infrastructure in the newly created Waru-Pozema District to enable residents and developers move in and begin developments.

Wike stated this on Thursday, while speaking with journalists after inspecting several ongoing projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

He explained that the administration would work with relevant agencies to see the possibility of providing basic infrastructure in the district, located in Cadastral Zone D16.

According to him, the FCT Administration will consult the Federal Capital Development Authority and other relevant departments to determine the next steps, including whether the project is captured in the 2026 budget.

He noted that, “About the new district of Waru-Pozema in Cadastral Zone D16, we have to find out from the FCDA or the coordinator what they have in mind, whether it is in the 2026 budget,” he said. “Don’t worry, we will do everything we can to provide the needed infrastructure and open up the district so that people can move in.”

The minister also expressed satisfaction with the level of work on various judicial infrastructure projects inspected during the tour.

Wike noted that the contractors handling the Court of Appeal complex assured that the project would be completed by May. He added that the judges’ quarters, including the Federal High Court section, had already been furnished.

Wike explained that the project comprises 10 duplexes for the Federal High Court, 20 duplexes for the FCT High Court and another 10 duplexes for the Court of Appeal, adding that the facilities would be inaugurated during the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in office.

The minister also inspected a major road project in Katampe, which he described as functioning like a ring road, and commended the contractor for the pace and quality of work.

He praised construction firm China Geo-Engineering Corporation, saying it was one of the companies whose commitments could be trusted.

He also emphasized that, “It’s one of those companies—when they give you their word, you can go to the bank with it,”.

The Minister further expresser satisfaction with the level of supervision by the FCDA officials through the Acting ES, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda.

Speaking on his motivation for regularly inspecting projects, Wike said his commitment was driven by service and the confidence reposed in him by President Tinubu.

“For the President to have confidence in you and give you an assignment, you have no choice but to be committed to the job,” he said.

On national politics, the minister called for unity within the Peoples Democratic Party, saying reconciliation within the party must come first before discussions about future electoral strategies.

He expressed optimism that the party could remain competitive if members remained sincere in their reconciliation efforts, adding that attention was currently focused on the party’s forthcoming convention.

Wike unveils plans to extend IInfrastructure to newly created Waru-Pozema district

A bill seeking the establishment of the Benue State Security Trust Fund and for other matters connected therewith has passed a second reading at the Benue State House of Assembly.

The bill was read for the second time during a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Alfred Emberger.

Leading the debate on the second reading of the bill, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sir Thomas Dugeri, stated that the main aim of the bill is to create a pool of funds for the acquisition and deployment of security equipment, as well as such human and material resources as may be deemed necessary for the effective functioning of all federal, state, local government and other security agencies operating in the state.

He further stated that part of the fund shall be reserved for the training and retraining of security personnel to enable them to contend with the current security needs of the state.

Members who contributed said the bill could not have come at a better time, as Benue people are currently faced with insecurity and existential threats from different angles.

They highlighted the need to invest reasonable resources in the security sector in order to be proactive and prepare for the future, and unanimously approved the bill to be read for the second time.

The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Aondoaver Alfred Emberga, referred the bill to the House Standing Committees on Local Government, Security and Chieftaincy Affairs for further legislative action.

Also during plenary, the House received a petition from one Okoh Regina Ada titled, “Petition Against Victimization, Unlawful Removal From Office, And Abuse Of Power By Officials Of The Local Government Service Commission And Others In Respect Of My Appointment As Treasurer, Obi Local Government Council”.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Zape Upaa, the petition was formally presented on the floor of the House by Rt Hon. Anthony Agom, representing Okpokwu State Constituency.

Benue State Security Trust Fund Establishment Bill passes second reading at Assembly

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has raised an alert over the circulation of counterfeit Avastin vials 400 mg/16 ml and directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to intensify surveillance and remove the fake products from circulation across the country.

In a statement issued by the agency, NAFDAC identified the affected product as Avastin vials 400 mg/16 ml, with the stated manufacturer listed as F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland, by Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany.

According to the agency, the counterfeit products bear the batch numbers K1830T71 and H0375B01. The manufacturing dates on the products are listed as 04/2025 and 02/2025, while the expiry dates are 05/2028 and 12/2027, respectively.

As part of immediate measures to address the situation, NAFDAC said all its zonal directors and state coordinators have been instructed to step up monitoring activities and ensure that the counterfeit products are identified and removed from the supply chain within their jurisdictions.

The agency warned importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to remain vigilant in order to prevent the circulation and use of the fake medical product.

“Importers, distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers are hereby advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products,” the statement said.

“All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked,” the agency stressed.

Healthcare professionals and members of the public were further encouraged to report any suspected cases involving fake or substandard medicines.

“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office,” the statement added.

The agency also urged healthcare professionals and patients to report any adverse effects linked to the use of medicines or medical devices.

“Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of medicinal products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office,” the statement noted.

The agency also said the alert would be shared with the global health monitoring system.

“Furthermore, note that this notice will be uploaded to the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System,” the statement added.

NAFDAC warns public over fake avastin injection in circulation

Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently in a closed-door meeting with service chiefs amid growing attacks on security personnel and military formations across the country.

This was contained in a statement posted on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, via X.

This comes one day after the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, met with the service chiefs.

The service chiefs and the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, were said to have arrived at the Villa without their official vehicles.

At the time of filing this report, details of the meeting could not be ascertained.

Details shortly…

President Tinubu meets service chiefs in Abuja