Terrorists Suffer Heavier Losses as Troops Intensify Operations Across Nigeria — Defence Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), on Wednesday said terrorists and bandits operating across the country are suffering heavier losses than government troops as the Nigerian Armed Forces intensify military operations across several conflict zones.

The defence minister gave the assurance after a strategy meeting with service chiefs in Abuja, noting that the meeting reviewed the country’s counter-terrorism strategy across different operational theatres. According to him, the Armed Forces remain fully committed to restoring peace and security nationwide despite recent attacks on military formations in parts of the country.

“We had a quick, short meeting with members of the services to review our strategy in all our theatres within the country. We’re all aware of the issues on the ground, but I want to assure Nigerians that members of the armed forces are working tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure,” Musa said.

The minister acknowledged that the military had suffered casualties in some engagements but insisted that terrorist groups and bandits were recording heavier losses as troops intensify their operations. According to him, the Nigerian military is focusing on eliminating terrorist commanders, destroying their logistics networks, and dismantling operational bases across the country.

“We are aware that we have suffered some casualties, but I can tell you the terrorists and bandits are taking more. We’re taking more commanders out, we’re taking more of their assets out, and we will continue to do that,” he stated.

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Musa also warned that misinformation circulating on social media could undermine the morale of troops and distort public understanding of the security situation. He urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by unverified narratives about the war against terrorism, insisting that the Armed Forces remain firmly in control of ongoing operations.

“We know because of the issue of social media, there are a lot of falsehoods being spread. The Armed Forces are on top of their game and we are putting in every effort to ensure the country is secured,” he said.

The defence minister further appealed to media organisations to exercise caution in reporting security matters, particularly by avoiding the dissemination of terrorist propaganda materials, which he said are often used to promote extremist groups and demoralise security forces.

“Please do not allow your platforms to be used to spread terrorism. When you circulate their videos and messages, you allow them to shine and use them as propaganda against our troops,” he added.

Musa stressed that tackling insecurity in Nigeria requires a collective effort, urging citizens to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence and reporting suspicious activities in their communities.

“This challenge is a Nigerian challenge; it is not only the armed forces’ challenge. Other security agencies are also working in synergy with us,” he said.

He warned individuals who provide information, logistics or any form of assistance to terrorists that they would be treated as accomplices and face the same consequences as the criminals.

“A friend of a thief is always a thief. Those supporting these criminals with information or logistics will be dealt with the same way we deal with the terrorists,” Musa stated.

The minister also congratulated the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assuring him of the Armed Forces’ readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to combat insecurity across the country.

He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and state governors for their continued support to the military, expressing confidence that Nigeria would ultimately overcome its security challenges.

“We want to assure Nigerians that they should remain confident and determined. When you see something going wrong, do not hesitate to report it. Action will be taken as quickly as possible,” he added.

The minister’s remarks come amid renewed attacks by insurgent groups linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), particularly in Borno State and surrounding areas.

In recent weeks, terrorists have launched coordinated assaults on several military bases, leading to the deaths of soldiers and commanding officers who paid the supreme price while confronting the attackers.

In one such incident in Katsina State, Captain Paul Hassan and two other soldiers were reportedly killed during an attack by terrorists.

Earlier, on March 3, fighters linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP invaded the resettled community of Ngoshe shortly after residents broke their fast during Ramadan. The insurgents reportedly overwhelmed the military formation with superior firepower, including rocket-propelled grenades, anti-aircraft machine guns and drones.

Security sources said the assault left at least 14 soldiers dead across the Ngoshe and Pulka military bases—nine in Ngoshe and five in Pulka, including a commanding officer.

Despite the attacks, military authorities say counter-terrorism operations have been intensified through coordinated air and ground offensives aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds and restoring stability in affected regions.

Terrorists Suffer Heavier Losses as Troops Intensify Operations Across Nigeria — Defence Minister

Oil prices rise again after Dangote reduces petrol by N100/litre

Global crude oil prices rebounded sharply on Wednesday, rising by about five per cent after briefly dipping to $88 per barrel the previous day, as escalating tensions in the Middle East continued to unsettle energy markets.

Data from the international market showed that Brent crude climbed to $92.43 per barrel as of 10:56am WAT, representing a 5.27 per cent increase. The benchmark had surged above $100 per barrel earlier in the week amid intensifying hostilities in the region.

The main United States oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, also rose sharply, gaining 5.9 per cent to trade at $88.38 per barrel.

The volatility in global crude prices came a day after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, in Nigeria.

The refinery’s Chief Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, told Channels Television on Tuesday that the gantry price of petrol had been cut by ₦100, dropping from ₦1,175 per litre last week to ₦1,075 per litre.

According to him, petrol supplied through coastal distribution channels will now sell at ₦1,050 per litre.

In a statement explaining the adjustment, the refinery said the price reduction was driven by movements in global crude oil prices.

“As responsible corporate citizens operating in a high-governance code and ethical environment, we believe it is imperative to reduce the price of our products as a reflection of the decline in global crude oil prices,” the company said.

The refinery noted that its crude supply is priced using international benchmarks with an additional premium of between $3 and $6, while foreign exchange payments are made at prevailing market rates without subsidy.

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It added that even crude supplied under the naira-for-crude arrangement is benchmarked against global prices before being converted to naira using the current exchange rate.

The latest price cut marks the first reduction after three consecutive increases that had pushed petrol prices significantly higher in recent weeks.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the refinery, David Bird, said the facility was not insulated from global oil market shocks because its crude purchases are tied to international pricing benchmarks.

The refinery’s move came after crude prices briefly fell to about $90 per barrel on Tuesday — the first decline since the outbreak of the latest Middle East conflict involving the United States, Iran and Israel.

The war has heightened concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supply, triggering sharp swings in crude prices and contributing to rising fuel costs in several countries, including Nigeria.

Speaking on the conflict, Donald Trump said the military campaign was progressing faster than initially expected.

“I think the war is very complete, pretty much. They have no navy, no communications, and they’ve got no air force,” the US President told CBS News in a telephone interview.

Trump added that the United States was “very far ahead” of the initial wartime timeline of about four to five weeks and suggested the conflict could end soon.

“It’s going to be ended soon, and if it starts up again, they’ll be hit even harder,” he said.

Oil prices rise again after Dangote reduces petrol by N100/litre

Quack Doctor Sentenced to Death for Murder in Ekiti

An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado‑Ekiti has sentenced 48‑year‑old Olatide Temitope Emmanuel to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murder and impersonation for posing as a medical doctor and causing the death of a pregnant woman during a botched procedure. The ruling serves as a stern warning against medical quackery in Nigeria.

Emmanuel was arraigned before Justice Babajide Aladejana on two counts: murder for the June 24, 2019 death of Falade Bosede at Odo Ikole Compound, Erinmope‑Ekiti, and impersonation of a medical doctor on June 9, 2019 at Ajebamidele Street, Otun Ekiti. The offences contravened Sections 316 and 319(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.

The prosecution, led by Kunle‑Shina Adeyemo, called seven witnesses and tendered multiple exhibits, including the defendant’s statements, medical reports, and photographs of the deceased, proving that Emmanuel — who had no recognized medical qualification — unlawfully conducted the procedure that led to Bosede’s death.

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During his defence, Emmanuel admitted he was not a certified medical doctor, claiming only to have worked as a nursing apprentice in Lagos and later opened his own private clinic in Erinmope. He did not call any witnesses to support his case.

In delivering judgment, Justice Aladejana stated, “The prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the reckless action of the defendant caused her death on 24th June, 2019. The defendant is accordingly found guilty as charged. The judgment of this court is that you, Olatide Temitope Emmanuel, be hanged by the neck until you are dead.”

Legal analysts note that the case underscores the dangers of unlicensed medical practice, particularly in rural communities where access to certified healthcare is limited. Experts say the ruling could act as a deterrent to quacks and fraudsters who endanger lives by impersonating medical professionals.

Emmanuel retains the right to appeal the judgment, which may be taken to a higher court for review. Meanwhile, the sentence reflects the severity of practising medicine without qualifications and the legal system’s commitment to protecting public health in Nigeria.

Quack Doctor Sentenced to Death for Murder in Ekiti