Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Borno State Government has introduced a compulsory oath-taking ritual involving the Qur’an as a final step in the reintegration of thousands of repentant terrorists into society. A former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in the state, Zuwaira Gambo, disclosed that the measure forms a critical component of the state’s deradicalisation and rehabilitation programme aimed at preventing ex-fighters from returning to insurgency. Gambo, who spoke during an interview on News Central Television, said the oath is intended to serve as both a spiritual and psychological deterrent against recidivism. She explained that the reintegration process, often referred to as…

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission were allegedly attacked and pelted with stones while carrying out what the agency described as a lawful investigation at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, triggered panic within the hospital premises as staff, patients and visitors reportedly fled for safety following the arrival of the anti-graft officials. Eyewitness accounts and viral videos seen online showed scenes of chaos, with teargas canisters allegedly fired during the operation, forcing many to scamper for cover. During the operation, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery, Eyo Ekpe,…

Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has said his forthcoming autobiography is intended to clarify controversial decisions taken during his administration, particularly during the Nigerian civil war, rather than stir fresh tensions. Gowon stated this ahead of the public presentation of the memoir, noting that the book offers his personal account of events that have largely been interpreted by others over the years. The 881-page autobiography is scheduled for unveiling on May 19 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to attend the event as special guest of honour, while former Minister…

The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation has partnered with the National Judicial Institute to strengthen judicial capacity in handling complex banking sector disputes, particularly those relating to failed banks and depositor protection. The collaboration was formalised at a training seminar for Justices of the Court of Appeal held in Lagos, with the theme, “Enhancing the Efficacy of Bank Liquidation and Depositors’ Protection.” Speaking at the event, the Administrator of the NJI, Babatunde Adejumo, said the initiative was aimed at deepening synergy between the judiciary and financial regulators to safeguard the nation’s financial system. He stressed that the stability of financial institutions…

The Nigerian Army has raised fresh concerns over the survival of Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East, revealing that elements within the civilian population, alongside activities in cattle markets and transport networks, are inadvertently or deliberately sustaining terrorist logistics in the region. The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General Beyidi Martins, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing defence correspondents on ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Yobe and Borno States. Martins said troops had uncovered what he described as “high-level collusion” between some residents and insurgents, noting that terrorists continue to obtain food supplies, communication gadgets, motorcycle spare parts…

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has ordered a nationwide restriction barring Point-of-Sale (POS) operators from operating within 200 metres of all police stations and formations across Nigeria, following allegations linking some operators to extortion and corrupt practices involving police personnel. The directive, contained in an internal police wireless message circulated to formations nationwide, directed immediate enforcement of the new operational boundary, warning that any violation would attract strict disciplinary consequences for senior officers in charge of affected formations. According to the signal, the Nigeria Police Force raised concern over what it described as the “alarming proliferation” of POS operators…

Fawaz Adebisi Former Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, on Tuesday declared that he would secure an overwhelming victory in the Ogun East senatorial contest, as he accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of neglecting Ijebu land and shortchanging the people of the district. Daniel, who currently represents Ogun East in the Senate, made the remarks during an empowerment programme and medical outreach held at Obalofin’s Court in GRA, Ijebu Ode. The outreach, organised under his OGD Empowerments initiative, provided free medical and eye care services to over 1,000 residents, while more than 600 beneficiaries received free drugs. Speaking at the event, Daniel…

The Federal Government has said it successfully returned more than one million street children to school within the last 30 months as part of ongoing efforts to tackle Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he addressed concerns over the country’s alarming number of out-of-school children. Alausa said the intervention forms part of broader reforms aimed at improving access to basic education and addressing long-standing structural challenges in the sector. He, however, questioned the accuracy of widely cited figures by international organisations, which estimate…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, in Abuja, as controversy deepens over the screening of aspirants for the Rivers State House of Assembly elections. The visit comes against the backdrop of mounting tension within the party in Rivers State following the outcome of the screening exercise conducted by an APC panel. The committee, chaired by former lawmaker, Muraina Ajibola, cleared 33 aspirants and disqualified 65 others out of the 98 who purchased nomination forms for the 32 available assembly seats.…

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted contraband items with a Duty Paid Value of N6.77bn in a sweeping anti-smuggling operation across the state’s border corridors. The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at Idiroko, Ogun State, noting that the seizures were recorded within a five-week period between March 16 and May 12, 2026. Afeni said the operation, driven by enhanced intelligence and inter-agency collaboration, led to 73 interceptions involving large quantities of cannabis, foreign rice, vegetable oil, petroleum products and other prohibited goods. He…