President Bola Tinubu has officially approved the relocation of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to the Presidency, overriding objections from Minister Festus Keyamo. While it remains unclear which specific office within the Presidency will oversee the bureau, sources from Saturday PUNCH confirm that the President’s approval signals a significant shift in the agency’s administrative alignment. This move ends months of deliberations over the bureau’s optimal placement for operational efficiency. Background of the Controversy For months, stakeholders, lawmakers, and transport sector operators have debated the bureau’s location. Advocates for independence argued that placing the NSIB under the Ministry of Aviation restricted its effectiveness, given its oversight responsibilities across air, rail, maritime, and road safety. Conversely, Keyamo insisted that the bureau should remain within the ministry to retain streamlined governance. Ultimately, President Tinubu concluded that the NSIB would execute its duties more efficiently while reporting directly to the Presidency. Advisory from the Presidency In a letter dated November 3, 2025, obtained by our correspondent, Hadiza Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, recommended relocating the bureau. Usman highlighted that the move aligns with global best practices, referencing the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States, which reports directly to the federal government to ensure autonomy and credibility in investigations (NTSB Official Site). The letter emphasized that NSIB’s current placement under the aviation ministry, as outlined in Section 66, Page A1136 of the Establishment Act, limits its capacity to investigate not only air accidents but also marine, rail, and tracked vehicle incidents. According to Usman, moving the bureau to the Presidency would: The proposal suggested that the NSIB report to the Presidency via the Office of the National Security Adviser, a strategic shift designed to enhance its operational independence and credibility. Presidential Approval On March 5, 2026, through his Private Secretary, Damilola Aderemi, President Tinubu formally approved Usman’s recommendation, signaling the end of the bureau’s operations under the Ministry of Aviation. This development aligns with earlier reports by The PUNCH, which indicated that the Federal Government, supported by the National Assembly, considered removing the NSIB from the Ministry of Aviation’s control. Transport sector stakeholders, including the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, had consistently advocated for placing the bureau under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Importance of Operational Independence The NSIB is responsible for investigating accidents across land, water, and air transportation in Nigeria. For years, the agency has sought enhanced funding, resources, and autonomy to improve its service delivery and investigative credibility. In June 2025, the Federal Ministry of Aviation opposed the National Assembly’s plan to relocate the NSIB, presenting its case during a public hearing organized by the joint committee on Special Duties and Aviation in Abuja. Then-Permanent Secretary Abubakar Kana argued that the bureau should remain under the ministry while strengthening its operational framework to ensure functional independence. Kana stated, “I recommend that the National Assembly and its relevant stakeholders should please retain the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau within the Federal Ministry of Aviation.” However, the Presidential approval now overrides this stance, reflecting a broader strategy to align Nigeria’s accident investigation protocols with global standards.
The management of Manchester United is reportedly prepared to offload no fewer than five squad members during the forthcoming summer transfer window as part of plans to restructure the team. According to reports from The Sun, the players being considered for sale are all signings made during the tenure of former manager Erik ten Hag. The individuals listed include striker Rasmus Højlund, who joined for £64 million, forward Joshua Zirkzee (£36.5m), midfielder Manuel Ugarte (£50.5m), goalkeeper André Onana (£43.8m), and midfielder Mason Mount (£55m). The report further indicated that veteran players such as Casemiro and Harry Maguire could depart once their current contracts run out at the end of the season. In addition, loan players including Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are also expected to be sold permanently if suitable offers arrive. The club hierarchy is said to be determined to strengthen the squad before the next campaign begins, with efforts ongoing to appoint a long-term manager after the departure of Ruben Amorim earlier in the year. During the previous transfer window, the Red Devils allowed several players to leave, including Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Rashford and Sancho, with the latter two moving on temporary deals. Meanwhile, the Premier League side also brought in fresh talent such as Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško and Senne Lammens as part of the rebuilding process.
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Arsenal and Manchester City still remain in contention to achieve the highly demanding Quadruple this season, although the challenge ahead appears extremely complicated for both clubs. Heading into the latest round of Premier League matches, Arsenal currently occupy the top position on the table, maintaining a seven-point advantage over Manchester City, who are chasing closely behind. Mikel Arteta’s side will welcome Everton to the Emirates Stadium, while Manchester City are scheduled to travel to face West Ham United later the same day. Should both teams secure victories in their respective fixtures, their hopes of winning the league title will remain very much alive. However, when it comes to the possibility of winning all four major trophies in a single season, only one team can realistically keep that dream alive. According to Adava OluwaGbenga Festus, a presenter at Midas Radio and a football analyst, the chances of either side completing a Quadruple remain uncertain despite their strong performances so far this season. “With respect to both clubs, I don’t believe they currently have everything required to successfully win a quadruple,” he said while speaking with LMSINT MEDIA. He further explained that Manchester City’s situation in the UEFA Champions League has become very complicated, especially after their heavy defeat in the first leg, making qualification to the next round extremely difficult unless they produce an extraordinary comeback. He also noted that Real Madrid could have key players returning before the second leg, which makes the task even tougher. On the other hand, Arsenal have shown impressive form at the Emirates Stadium, but they must still overcome a determined Bayer Leverkusen side in the return leg of their European tie. According to the analyst, the German club has nothing to lose and could pose a serious challenge. Despite these obstacles, both English clubs deserve credit for reaching this stage of the season while still competing in multiple competitions. Manchester City suffered a 3-0 defeat against Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 encounter, leaving Pep Guardiola with difficult decisions regarding team selection for the upcoming league match. He must balance the need to keep pressure on Arsenal in the title race while also preparing his squad for the crucial second leg at the Etihad Stadium. Meanwhile, Arsenal will play both Everton and Bayer Leverkusen at home, which could provide them with a slight advantage, especially considering their strong performances in front of their supporters this season. Adava also pointed out that Arsenal benefited from last week’s results, as their victory combined with Manchester City dropping points against Nottingham Forest gave the Gunners some breathing space at the top of the table. However, he stressed that Arsenal must take full advantage of this opportunity by defeating Everton, especially since both teams have recently recorded back-to-back wins. Arsenal appear to have more motivation at the moment, which could help them secure another important three points. Manchester City, who delivered a disappointing performance in their midweek European match, will be eager to respond positively when they face West Ham United. Guardiola’s side will want to quickly recover from their defeat in Spain and return to winning form in the Premier League. The analyst believes that some of City’s key players have not been performing at their usual high level in recent weeks, which may have affected the team’s overall confidence. With West Ham currently sitting in the relegation zone, this could be a difficult moment for them to face a team determined to bounce back from a heavy loss. Both Arsenal and Manchester City could still progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but the upcoming Carabao Cup final between the two sides will guarantee that one of them can no longer win the Quadruple this season. Speaking about the cup final, Adava explained that previous results between the teams may not have much influence on the outcome because cup finals are often unpredictable. He recalled that Arsenal dominated possession in their previous meeting at the Emirates, but circumstances have changed due to injuries and inconsistent performances in recent weeks. He added that both teams are still in decent form overall, even though their performances have not always been convincing. In his opinion, a one-off final usually depends on very small details, and the pressure could be greater on Arsenal and their manager Mikel Arteta, which might ultimately affect how the match ends.
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The upcoming weekend in the Premier League is shaping up to be a crucial one, as several important games could influence both the title race and the battle at the bottom of the table. Matchweek 30 comes with high expectations, and a few encounters look capable of delivering unexpected outcomes. One of the headline clashes will feature Manchester United taking on Aston Villa, with both sides pushing hard for qualification into the UEFA Champions League.Before that Sunday showdown, Saturday’s schedule also includes fixtures that may not go according to predictions. Below are three matches where shock results could happen. 1. Arsenal vs Everton If Arsenal manage to secure victory in this match, they could extend their lead at the top of the table to ten points ahead of Manchester City. However, this game may not be as simple as it looks on paper at the Emirates Stadium. Recent performances from Mikel Arteta’s squad have not been entirely convincing, and consistency has been an issue in the past few weeks. On the other hand, Everton have been very strong when playing away from home this season.The team managed by David Moyes is also known for defensive discipline, especially when dealing with set-pieces such as corner kicks, which could make this a difficult contest for the league leaders. 2. West Ham vs Manchester City Many supporters were shocked when Manchester City suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash during the week. Pep Guardiola’s side entered that match as favourites, but the result has left them needing a huge turnaround in the second leg to stay in the competition.Before they can focus on that, they must deal with a confident West Ham United side that has been improving recently. With City possibly distracted and mentally tired, this fixture could turn into one of the surprises of the weekend. 3. Liverpool vs Tottenham A lot of fans and football analysts believe Tottenham Hotspur could suffer a heavy defeat when they face Liverpool on Sunday. Their form this season has been poor, and they are dangerously close to the relegation zone. Despite that, matches like this sometimes bring out a different level of performance. Teams fighting to remain in the top division often show extra determination in high-pressure games.Because of that fighting spirit, this encounter could end differently from what most people expect.
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American hip-hop star Rick Ross has revealed his ultimate dream music collaboration, mentioning legendary artists from different generations and music genres. During a recent livestream interview, the founder of Maybach Music Group spoke about the kind of collaboration he considers to be the highest level in music history. According to him, his dream record would feature reggae icon Bob Marley, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and Grammy-winning Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy. Rick Ross explained that bringing together artists with such powerful influence would create a timeless sound that fans across the world would appreciate. He described the idea as something beyond ordinary collaboration, calling it a king-level record that would stand out in music history. Speaking further, the rapper said that if he had the opportunity to make the collaboration happen, he would gladly include British-Nigerian music legend Sade Adu in the project. He admitted that working with Sade might be difficult, but he still considers her one of the greatest voices of all time. Ross praised her talent and expressed deep admiration, saying she remains on his personal wish list for future collaborations. He added that a record featuring himself, Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, Burna Boy, and Sade would represent greatness, culture, and musical excellence on the highest level. The statement from Rick Ross has generated conversations among music fans, as the combination of reggae, Afrobeat, Afrobeats, soul, and hip-hop would create a unique sound capable of reaching different generations of listeners worldwide. Many fans believe such a collaboration, even as an idea, shows the level of respect modern artists have for music legends who shaped the global sound.
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The Taraba State Mobile Court on Environmental Protection, Public Safety, and Anti-Deforestation Enforcement over the weekend confiscated several trucks allegedly linked to unlawful mining operations along the Wukari–Chinkai corridor in Wukari Local Government Area. The enforcement exercise, which took place on Friday, followed a routine patrol carried out by officials of the mobile court along the Wukari highway, according to reports obtained from LMSINT MEDIA. During the operation, authorities reportedly intercepted multiple trucks loaded with coal and other solid mineral resources believed to have been extracted through illegal mining activities. An official involved in the operation disclosed that the trucks were immediately seized, while the individuals connected to the offense were summarily prosecuted in line with the provisions of the executive order regulating environmental protection and mining activities within the state. According to the officials, the enforcement action sends a clear message that Executive Order No. 5 on environmental protection and mining regulation remains fully active and will continue to be strictly implemented across Taraba State. Residents, transporters, and operators within the mining sector were also warned to avoid participating in unauthorized mining activities, as the government has vowed to ensure that anyone found guilty will face the full weight of the law. Authorities further emphasized that illegal mining poses serious environmental and social dangers, including severe land degradation, threats to human life, destruction of farmlands, food insecurity, and increased risks to public safety. The state government reaffirmed its dedication to protecting the environment while promoting the responsible and sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of both present and future generations.
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Football’s governing body, FIFA, has signaled that it will start evaluating potential replacements for Iran’s national team at the upcoming 2026 World Cup, following Iran’s unexpected withdrawal from the tournament. The move came in the aftermath of significant geopolitical tension triggered by recent US‑Israeli airstrikes, according to reports from the UK Mirror. The decision to withdraw has created a sudden vacancy in the competition’s lineup. The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place primarily across the United States, but the repercussions of recent political developments involving American leaders have had a profound impact on global football. The situation escalated when Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was tragically killed in missile strikes. These attacks also caused damage in parts of Tehran, intensifying existing instability in the region. With Iran no longer participating, FIFA now faces the task of filling their group, which includes Egypt, Belgium, and New Zealand. Iran had originally secured the top position in their Asian qualifying group, earning direct qualification to the World Cup. Now, officials are exploring who might take their place. One of the options under consideration is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who finished second in the same qualification group. However, the UAE did not automatically qualify; they were defeated by Iraq in the match that would have given them a chance to compete in the intercontinental playoff. Now, Iraq is set to face the winner of a playoff between Bolivia and Suriname for a potential spot in the World Cup. This twist has complicated FIFA’s decision‑making process because it raises questions about who should replace Iran. There has been public discussion about granting Iraq direct entry into the World Cup in place of Iran. Should FIFA choose that route, the UAE might instead be sent to the intercontinental playoff, giving them another opportunity to qualify. At this stage, FIFA’s leadership is weighing competitive fairness, qualification rules, and logistical feasibility as they consider how to finalize the tournament lineup before the 2026 kickoff.
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Adamu Abubakar, son of former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has officially switched his political allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This move marks a significant development in the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to reports from LMSINT MEDIA, Adamu, who previously served as a commissioner in Adamawa State, formally resigned from the PDP on Thursday. Within hours of this resignation, he completed his online registration with the ADC, aligning himself with the party where his father is planning to run for president in 2027. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Adamu urged his followers and supporters to join him in the ADC. He emphasized the importance of collective action in promoting good governance and national development. In his post, he stated: “I call on all my supporters and well-wishers to register with the ADC as we work together to advance the cause of good governance and national development.” Political analysts suggest that this defection could have a ripple effect on the political dynamics in Adamawa State and beyond. With the 2027 election approaching, movements like this indicate a strategic consolidation of supporters ahead of the presidential race. Adamu’s transition to ADC also signals a generational shift within Nigerian politics, reflecting younger leaders’ active engagement in shaping party platforms. As political activities intensify, the ADC could potentially emerge as a significant contender, particularly if influential figures like the Abubakars continue to rally support for its agenda.
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Residents from approximately 40 communities in Osogbo, Osun State, have publicly disputed claims made by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) regarding a recent demonstration over the deteriorating electricity supply in their areas. The communities, operating collectively under the United Communities of Osogbo, emphasized that the protest was entirely peaceful and lawful. Speaking at a press briefing held at the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, community representatives accused IBEDC of spreading misinformation and attempting to intimidate residents rather than addressing the core issue of inconsistent power supply. Peaceful Protest and Expired Ultimatum According to the United Communities, residents had previously organized a peaceful protest and issued a seven-day ultimatum to IBEDC, demanding the restoration of consistent electricity supply or face subsequent community actions. Dr. Nasiru Mohammed, speaking on behalf of the communities, read a statement co-signed by the group’s chairman, Sulaiman Buruji. He noted that the seven-day ultimatum had passed without any improvement in electricity provision. “Today marks the expiration of that seven-day ultimatum. Sadly, instead of improvement, the situation has deteriorated further,” Mohammed stated. Residents highlighted that within the seven-day period after the protest, many areas received less than nine hours of electricity, illustrating a critical shortfall in power distribution across Osogbo communities. Allegations Against IBEDC The communities further alleged that instead of improving the electricity supply, IBEDC approached the Department of State Services (DSS) with claims that the protest was violent and that its staff had been harassed. “We have reliable information that IBEDC has petitioned the DSS, alleging that the protest organized by our communities was violent and that their staff were harassed,” Mohammed said. He strongly refuted these claims, asserting that the demonstration was orderly, disciplined, and supervised by the Nigeria Police Force, with no instances of violence or property destruction. “At no point was there violence, harassment, or destruction of property during the exercise,” Mohammed emphasized. Demand for Band A Electricity Supply The communities reiterated their demand to be reinstated to Band A electricity supply, which guarantees longer hours of consistent power to residential and commercial customers. They stressed that this level of supply is essential for sustaining businesses, homes, and essential services in Osogbo. IBEDC Explains Supply Challenges Earlier, IBEDC officials met with civil society organizations, security agencies, and community leaders in Osogbo to discuss the challenges affecting electricity distribution in the state. Daniel Adugbo, IBEDC’s Lead Media Relations Officer, explained that the decline in supply was linked to reduced gas supply to power generating companies nationwide. “What is happening is a national issue. There are constraints in gas production, and most power plants depend on gas to generate electricity,” Adugbo explained. He added that the reduction in electricity generation had forced IBEDC to ration the limited power received from the national grid through load shedding across its coverage areas.
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The Lagos State Government has launched a formal inquiry into the reported death of a socialite referred to as “Elena,” who is believed to have died following complications from a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) cosmetic surgery at a Lagos clinic. Authorities moved swiftly after videos and posts circulated widely across social media platforms alleging that the woman encountered serious health challenges either during or shortly after the procedure, sparking widespread concern and debate online. Although official details remain under verification, the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) confirmed on Thursday that it has begun a thorough, transparent review to uncover the precise sequence of events that led to the unfortunate outcome. Early indications suggest that the clinic where the procedure took place is registered with HEFAMAA. However, registration alone does not exempt any facility from ongoing regulatory inspection — especially when questions about patient safety arise. As the statutory body responsible for licensing and accrediting facilities across Lagos, HEFAMAA’s mandate includes ensuring that all healthcare providers adhere to professional standards, operate within regulatory frameworks, and follow mandated patient safety protocols. The agency’s Permanent Secretary, Abiola Idowu, emphasized that aesthetic and cosmetic procedures such as BBLs are subject to defined regulatory requirements in the state. These include provisions on facility infrastructure, practitioner qualifications, infection control measures, anaesthetic safety, and emergency readiness. Idowu noted that the ongoing review will scrutinize the medical credentials of involved personnel, as well as assess the quality of care provided before, during, and after the surgery — including whether established safety measures were followed. Officials reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of residents through robust regulatory oversight, continuous monitoring of medical facilities, and rigorous enforcement of healthcare standards across Lagos State. HEFAMAA also appealed to the public to refrain from sharing unverified or speculative information online, as doing so could compromise the integrity of the investigation and contribute to misinformation. Understanding the Risks of BBL Procedures Brazilian Butt Lift surgeries involve removing fat from one part of the body through liposuction before injecting it into the buttocks to enhance their shape and volume. While this procedure has grown in popularity globally, it carries a higher rate of serious complications than many other forms of cosmetic surgery. According to safety advisories from reputable surgical organisations, BBLs historically have displayed elevated mortality risk, particularly when fat enters blood vessels and travels to vital organs. Medical authorities recommend that these surgeries only be performed by highly qualified, board‑certified plastic surgeons in accredited facilities and that strict safety protocols, such as ultrasound guidance during fat injection, be utilised to mitigate risks.
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Former Big Brother Naija contestant, Angel Smith, has thrilled fans by announcing her forthcoming wedding to her female partner, Tumininu. The announcement was made on Wednesday through Angel’s official Snapchat page, where she shared the wedding invitation card and detailed plans for the special day. The invitation revealed that the dress code for the wedding is all black, with a note urging guests to “wear black to celebrate in style with us.” This choice reflects a modern and elegant theme for the upcoming nuptials, generating excitement among fans and followers of the reality star. Angel Smith first went public with her relationship with Tumininu in 2025, sharing intimate clips and photos of the couple on her social media platforms. Their love story quickly gained attention, with many fans celebrating the couple’s openness and commitment. Earlier in January 2026, reports indicate that Angel and Tumininu held a civil wedding ceremony in the United States, marking the official beginning of their married life together. This development comes after Angel’s high-profile breakup with her former BBNaija All Stars colleague, Soma Anyama. The couple had begun dating in 2023 during their time on the reality show but eventually parted ways in 2024. Angel’s new chapter with Tumininu represents a fresh start and has sparked conversations about love, relationships, and personal happiness in the public eye. Fans of Angel Smith can look forward to more updates from the wedding celebrations, which are expected to include stylish events, intimate gatherings, and social media highlights that capture the couple’s journey.
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The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Dr. Abiodun Essiet, has begun a three-day stakeholder dialogue and community engagement exercise in Benue State as part of the Federal Government’s renewed efforts to address persistent security challenges and strengthen peacebuilding at the grassroots level. The visit involves meetings with government officials as well as direct interaction with residents of communities affected by insecurity across the state. The engagement is in line with the policy direction of President Bola Tinubu, which encourages community participation in conflict resolution while improving collaboration between local authorities and federal agencies on security and border management matters. During the engagement, Essiet held discussions with the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, where both parties reviewed the current security situation and explored ways the Federal Government and the state can work more closely on community and boundary-related concerns. Ode explained the steps already taken by the state government to tackle insecurity, especially in border communities where clashes and disputes have been reported. He also highlighted the cooperation between Benue State and neighbouring states including Taraba and Nasarawa, noting that joint efforts are ongoing to address cross-border crime, land disagreements and communal conflicts along shared boundaries. According to him, the Benue State Government remains committed to strengthening collaboration with federal authorities in order to resolve boundary disputes and maintain peace and stability in affected communities. Essiet also paid a courtesy visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia, where she outlined the objectives of the three-day dialogue and the broader goals of the community engagement programme. The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review feedback gathered from residents and community leaders, while also discussing ways to improve communication channels and conflict resolution mechanisms at the local level. Governor Alia welcomed the initiative and drew attention to complaints raised by residents, particularly the poor condition of some federal roads in parts of the state. He noted that damaged road infrastructure has made it difficult for security agencies to respond quickly during emergency situations in certain rural communities. To ensure the success of the programme, the governor directed the Benue State Department of Peace and Reconciliation together with the Community Engagement Unit to work closely with Essiet’s team throughout the exercise. He explained that the departments would coordinate activities and align them with existing peacebuilding programmes already being implemented by the state government. As part of the engagement schedule, Essiet is expected to assess the security situation in Kwande Local Government Area and hold consultations with stakeholders across the Benue North-East Senatorial District. She will also organise a citizens’ assembly bringing together representatives from Katsina-Ala, Konshisha, Kwande, Logo, Ukum, Ushongo and Vandeikya local government areas to encourage dialogue, cooperation and peaceful coexistence among communities. The visit comes at a time when several communities in Benue State continue to experience security threats and communal tensions that have affected livelihoods and social stability in recent years. Meanwhile, defence and security stakeholders have called for the creation of trauma support centres for widows of fallen military personnel. They emphasised the importance of providing psychological, emotional and social assistance to families who lost loved ones while serving the nation. According to the stakeholders, many widows face grief, trauma and financial hardship after the death of their spouses, making counselling services, rehabilitation programmes and welfare support very necessary. Speaking during the Silent Heroes Coterie held under the Heroes for Heroes Project organised by Youth Ablaze in Abuja, Hussaina Bangshika urged both federal and state governments, as well as civil society organisations, to collaborate in providing structured trauma support services. She stated that the government must take responsibility because the fallen soldiers died while protecting the country and defending its territorial integrity. Bangshika explained that although some support initiatives exist, they are limited in scope and often short-term. She added that military families usually endure long periods of emotional stress whenever their spouses are deployed, living with constant uncertainty about their safety. According to her, the trauma experienced by families of military personnel can last for many years, which makes specialised therapy and long-term support necessary for widows as well as soldiers returning from conflict operations. In a goodwill message, health journalist and public health advocate Moji Makanjuola said no widow should suffer for the sacrifice made by her husband in service to the nation. She urged the government to strengthen welfare programmes for families of fallen heroes. Chairman of the organising committee, Lt-Commander Ibrahim Babainna (rtd), said any nation that wants to inspire future generations must recognise and honour the courage of those who served. Convener of the Heroes for Heroes Project, Dr Faith Eches, explained that the initiative is designed to recognise bravery, celebrate dedication and acknowledge the sacrifices made by individuals contributing to national development.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that the recent bombing campaign against Tehran caused no meaningful damage to Iran’s ability to continue military operations against Israel and the United States.According to him, the country remains operational because of its decentralised “mosaic defence strategy,” which was designed to prevent collapse even after leadership losses. His remarks were published on X while the regional conflict continues to escalate following the 28 February strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. Reports from the Israel Defense Forces and statements from Donald Trump indicated that the attacks killed dozens of senior Iranian officials, including the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Since then, the confrontation has spread beyond Iran and Israel, affecting the wider Middle East region. Iran has launched retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets and US-aligned Gulf nations, while Lebanon has become involved due to support from Hezbollah. Fact-checking journalists from Euronews examined Iran’s military structure to determine whether the claim that the strikes caused no damage is realistic. Understanding Iran’s Mosaic Defence Strategy Iran’s mosaic defence doctrine is built on the idea that the country should never rely on a single central command.Instead, authority is divided among many independent regional units so that even if top leaders are eliminated, the military can continue operating. Experts trace the origin of this concept to the early 2000s, shortly after the United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003. Analysts observed that the rapid fall of Saddam Hussein’s government happened partly because US forces quickly destroyed the leadership chain. Rather than strengthening centralized control, Iranian planners chose the opposite approach — spreading command authority across provinces, military branches, and institutions. During the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jafari, who commanded Iran’s Revolutionary Guard from 2007 to 2019, the system became more structured and deeply integrated into the country’s defence planning. Under this strategy, each province functions as a separate defensive unit with its own commanders, supply reserves, and local production capability.Iran has 31 provinces, and each one can operate with a high level of autonomy if the national command structure is damaged. This model is meant to allow Iran to survive both airstrikes and a possible ground invasion. How Sanctions Shaped Iran’s Military Structure For more than four decades, Iran has been under heavy Western sanctions linked to its nuclear programme, regional proxy support, and human-rights concerns. Because of this isolation, the country has been forced to rely heavily on domestic production of weapons, drones, and military equipment. Instead of concentrating factories in a few locations, Iran distributed manufacturing sites across multiple provinces.Warehouses, storage facilities, and drone workshops are scattered across the country to reduce the risk of total destruction during attacks. Military analysts say this arrangement also supports Iran’s long-term strategy of prolonging conflicts, since extended wars can create political pressure on Western governments. The belief behind this approach is that democratic countries often struggle to sustain long military campaigns, especially when costs increase over time. Iran’s Response After US-Israeli Airstrikes The United States announced that its main objectives were to eliminate Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities, weaken naval forces, and stop regional proxy groups from threatening American troops in the Middle East. Israel issued similar statements, saying the operation aimed to remove threats linked to Iran’s missile programme and allied militant networks. Even after losing senior leaders, Iran managed to launch retaliatory strikes against Israel and several Gulf states.Targets included oil facilities, airports, and military bases in countries aligned with the United States. These actions suggest that the decentralised command system allowed Iran to continue operating despite heavy losses. However, officials from Iran’s diplomatic mission at the United Nations avoided directly confirming that the bombings had no effect.Instead, they focused on civilian casualties, including reports of a school bombing that killed more than 170 people. Has the Conflict Reduced Iran’s Military Capabilities? Since the start of the war, US and Israeli forces have attacked naval bases, missile storage sites, and launch platforms across Iran. Thousands of missiles and drones were fired during the first days of the conflict, but later reports indicated a sharp decrease in launches. According to US officials, ballistic missile activity dropped by more than 80% compared to the initial phase of the war. Military analysts believe this decline may be caused by: Israeli estimates claim that a large percentage of Iran’s missile launch systems have been destroyed, although officials also warn that Iran may still have hidden stockpiles in underground bunkers often called “missile cities.” Because these facilities are built deep underground, it is still unclear how much damage has actually been done. Drones remain one of Iran’s strongest tools, since they are cheaper to produce and harder to stop.Recent attacks in the Gulf region showed that even small drones can cause serious economic damage. Civilian Impact and Humanitarian Consequences The war has also caused major civilian casualties. Iranian officials reported more than a thousand civilian deaths and many thousands injured since the strikes began. Healthcare infrastructure has also been damaged, with hospitals, ambulances, and emergency centers hit during the conflict. The World Health Organization confirmed several attacks affecting medical facilities. Large numbers of people have fled major cities, especially Tehran, moving to northern regions and rural areas to escape the fighting. The United Nations refugee agency estimates that millions of people may have been displaced. Propaganda, Messaging, and Psychological Warfare Military experts say that statements claiming the strikes had “no impact” may also be part of wartime messaging. Publicly emphasizing the strength of the mosaic defence system helps reassure the Iranian population that the government remains in control. At the same time, such statements send a signal to foreign opponents that removing leaders will not quickly end the conflict. This kind of communication is common during wars, where information is often used as a strategic tool alongside weapons. Even though Iran’s decentralized system allows continued resistance, current data suggests that the strikes have caused significant but not total damage to its military capacity.
