Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In a decisive operation aimed at flushing out terrorist elements from the notorious Sambisa Forest in Borno State, Nigerian Army Troops of the 21 Armored Brigade, supported by the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Hadin Kai, have successfully uncovered a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and equipment. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the 199 Special Forces Battalion, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and Hybrid Forces, marks a significant advancement in the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the Lake Chad region. Under the command of counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the joint forces executed the mission in the Ukuba general area, targeting…

In response to recent Supreme Court rulings affecting the local government administration in Rivers State, Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has issued directives for immediate action. Following the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, Governor Fubara mandated the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume control of the 23 local government areas. This interim measure is pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). In a statewide broadcast from Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara underscored the necessity of adhering to judicial directives, despite his administration’s disagreement with the court’s judgments.…

Intelligence-led operation on Sunday, operatives from the Angwan Lambu Police Division in Keffi arrested Godswill Achili, a suspect linked to an armed robbery syndicate that has been terrorizing commuters along the Abuja-Keffi road and parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to SP Ramhan Nansel, the command’s public relations officer, Achili was caught red-handed while wearing military camouflage—a ruse to impersonate a soldier. “Upon interrogation, he confessed to wearing the uniform deceitfully and engaging in armed robbery,” he disclosed. Investigations revealed that Achili is a member of a sophisticated criminal outfit known for its daring operations. The syndicate, which…

The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in Nigeria, Wema Bank has entered into a landmark partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). The collaboration, solidified by a Memorandum of Understanding, seeks to empower a staggering 800,000 MSMEs through comprehensive training and resource provisions. The initiative, announced through a statement on Friday, underscores Wema Bank’s commitment to fostering economic growth by equipping entrepreneurs with essential soft skills, technical know-how, and business acumen. Over the next 12 to 18 months, Wema Bank will spearhead training sessions designed to enhance the capabilities of MSMEs, enabling them…

Former Governor Achike Udenwa of Imo State has raised startling allegations, revealing the extent to which money influences electoral outcomes in Nigeria. In a candid interview on Edmund Obilo’s State Affairs podcast, Udenwa asserted that wealthy politicians can purchase not only votes but also the integrity of critical institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and even the army. “Our society has regrettably reached a point where electoral success hinges more on financial capacity than on merit or public trust,” Udenwa remarked. He emphasized that Nigerian voters often neglect to scrutinize candidates’ backgrounds and capabilities, instead…

Gunmen posing as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have shocked residents of Shiroro Road, Chanchaga LGA in Niger state. The incident, which unfolded at approximately 4:58 am on February 27, saw the assailants storm the serene confines of White Hill Hotel. According to reports from Zagazola Makama, a reputable counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the perpetrators meticulously disabled the hotel’s CCTV surveillance system before commencing their operation. Moving methodically from room to room, they seized ten unsuspecting guests under the guise of an official EFCC operation, leaving no trace behind. “The public has…

The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has dismissed the appeal brought by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, seeking to prohibit public officers from seeking medical treatment abroad at public expense. The judgment, delivered on January 30th, 2025, upheld the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court, Ikeja, asserting that the right to adequate medical facilities in Nigeria falls under the Fundamental Objective and Directive Principles of State Policy, which are non-justiciable. Justice Polycarp Terna Kwahar, who led the three-man panel of justices, emphasized that preventing Nigerians, including public officers, from seeking medical attention outside the country when necessary…

Daud Olatunji The Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, has come under criticism following his decision to confer the title of “King of Street” on controversial musician, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, strongly condemned the installation, describing it as “untraditional and illegal.” In an open letter addressed to the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Eselu of Iselu expressed disappointment over the act, stating that the title has no…

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, has placed 461 individuals under surveillance as Lassa fever spreads to 11 states, triggering fresh public health concerns. Data from the NCDC indicates that the acute viral disease has now affected 63 local government areas, with cases surging beyond last year’s figures. In the first six weeks of 2025, Lassa fever has claimed 80 lives from 1,913 suspected cases—surpassing the 48 deaths recorded during the same period in 2024. The NCDC report highlights that frontline health workers are also at risk, with at least 11 medical personnel infected…

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), has issued a stark warning regarding the recent decision by the United States to slash humanitarian and development funding, stating that it will have severe consequences for millions of vulnerable people worldwide. In a passionate address, Guterres emphasized that the cuts jeopardize essential humanitarian assistance and development projects crucial for global stability. He expressed deep concern over the potential exacerbation of conditions for vulnerable populations, spanning conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas. “The reduction in US financial support will be devastating for millions around the world,” Guterres stated, underscoring the direct impact…