Headlines
US. officials confirm Ukrainian strike sinks Russian Navy ship

The U.S. government believes that a Ukrainian missile strike was responsible for the sinking of the Russian cruiser Moskva in the Black Sea this week, defense officials confirmed Friday. Ukraine’s government previously claimed that two domestically-made Neptune cruise missiles struck the Moskva on Wednesday, resulting in its sinking. Russia’s Ministry of Defense has provided a different story. On Wednesday, the ministry reported that the vessel sustained a fire on board and suffered an ammunition magazine explosion.
On Thursday, the ministry said in an update that the cruiser went down in heavy weather while being towed back to port.
Though Russia has described the Moskva’s destruction as an accident, U.S. officials report that other Russian warships have relocated further away from Ukraine’s coastline since the loss of the cruiser. In addition, Russia claimed Friday that it conducted a strike on a Ukrainian anti-ship missile production factory as part of a major blitz of artillery and missile attacks on Thursday night. The action and response were not explicitly connected in Russian messaging, but the sudden decision to strike a Ukrainian anti-ship missile facility is viewed by Western analysts as an act of retaliation.
The cruiser’s final location may have been pinpointed by open-source intelligence. Longtime naval analyst, H.I. Sutton obtained satellite radar imagery of a vessel of Moskva’s size, attended by several other vessels, at a position east of Snake Island at 1900 hours Wednesday.
The site is about 50 nm east of the Ukrainian-Romanian border and 75 nm south of Odesa, well within the range of Ukraine’s Neptune missile system.
No official accounting of casualties has been released for the 510 members of Moskva’s crew. A memorial service for the ship was held at the Black Sea Fleet base in Sevastopol on Friday, and a ribbon on the memorial wreath read “korablju i morjakam,” or “to the ship and sailors,” noted BBC Russia correspondent Liza Fokht.
The Moskva’s commanding officer, Capt. Anton Kuprin, was not photographed or quoted in coverage of the memorial service. Ukraine’s ministry of internal affairs claims that Kuprin was killed in the attack on the cruiser.
Russian public messaging suggests a Ukrainian attack On Russian state media’s premiere TV channel, at least one commentator described the loss of the Moskva as sufficient cause for a declaration of war on Ukraine. The statement deviated from two previous government positions: first, that the loss of the cruiser is not connected to Ukraine; and second, that the invasion cannot be called a war, only a “special military operation.”
“Moskva is absolutely a cause for war, one hundred percent. It’s the flagship [of the Black Sea Fleet]. ” There’s nothing to think about. There has to be a response, but what kind?” said one commentator on Rossiya-1, translated by Daily Beast’s Russian media monitor, Julia Davis.
Kyiv sank ‘Moscow’ and the Russians are furious. In response to the sinking of the warship ‘Moskva,’ state TV pundits and hosts propose bombing Kyiv, destroying Ukraine’s railways and making it impossible for any world leaders to visit in the future. Another Rossiya-1 commentator explicitly attributed the sinking to Ukrainian action, backed by guidance from NATO. “They’ve been hunting the warship Moskva. It was a pre-planned action. “Remember that stamp? What is shown behind the Ukrainian fighter?
” The warship Moskva is shown. They’ve been getting ready to destroy it. They seized the moment when they could do it,” he said. “They managed to do it.”
|
|
Headlines
Edward Osagie, NIMASA spokesman, shines at 2025 National Spokespersons’ Awards in Abuja

–— emerges outstanding spokesperson in Marine and Blue Economy sector
Oyewale emerged winner in a highly competitive category that included Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga and Josephine Adokuru Mudasiru of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA.
The Chairman of the award’s Adjudication Committee, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, while commending the nominees, emphasized that the selection process was rigorous and driven by merit.
Oyewale stood out for his infusion of finesse in strategic communication, skillful workmanship, impactful media engagements and consistency in the excellent projection of the EFCC’s image and in enhancing public understanding of the Commission’s mandate and activities.
Other winners from other categories include: Olufemi Soneye (NNPCL) as Distinguished Spokesperson of the Year (Oil and Gas), Nigerian Customs Service as Best Corporate Spokesperson Team, Kashifu Inuwa (NITDA) as Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector), Femi Babafemi (NDLEA) as Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services).
Soneye (NNPCL) beat ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi of Nigeria Police, Igo Weli-Shell Petroleum, Olumuyiwa Akande, SIFAX Group and Osagie Edward-NIMASA to emerge Spokesperson of the Year.
In his remarks, Joshua Audu Gana, Member House of Representatives congratulated the organizers for identifying and rewarding the outstanding communicators across various sectors.
The Special Guest of Honour, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr, emphasized the need for institutions and organizations to involve spokespersons in policy formulation and decision-making processes, noting that spokespersons should be equipped with first-hand knowledge of key issues so as to enhance their effective and accurate public communication.
The National Spokespersons Awards is Nigeria’s foremost platform for celebration of excellence in public relations, strategic communication, and media management.
The award is an annual celebration of individuals and organizations that demonstrate professionalism, innovation, and impactful public communication.
Customs
Agricultural produce tops exports of 11,459 containers worth $986.4m through Apapa port in three months

Headlines
Stakeholders caution Nigeria over currency swap deal with China

-
Headlines3 months ago
UNODC seeks strategic partnership with EFCC
-
Customs3 months ago
Onyeka, Tin Can CAC, set to pursue revenue generation aggressively
-
Customs3 months ago
Nigeria Customs seeks stakeholders’ support as it launches AOE programme in February
-
Headlines3 months ago
Tinubu appoints Opeifa as MD, Nigeria Railway Corporation
-
Headlines3 months ago
EFCC discovers Yahoo training school in Benin city
-
Headlines2 months ago
Ubong Essien lectures real estate industry operators on opportunities in blue economy