OTOR

Nigerian universities have banned the activities of Neolife and Faith Heroic Group (FHG) on their campuses, directing students to avoid any involvement with these organizations.

The restrictions stem from concerns that the groups create discomfort, fear, tension, and undue pressure, disrupting the peaceful academic environment.

Administrations have reviewed the recruitment methods and operations of Neolife and FHG, finding them detrimental to student welfare and university standards.

For example, universities such as the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) have issued memos prohibiting all related events and warning of severe penalties, including expulsion, for non-compliance.

The measures align with institutional regulations against unauthorized groups that resemble cult-like structures or exploit students.

Neolife, which positions itself as a wellness company, has faced accusations of misleading young people with false promises of wealth and job opportunities, often leading to debt and abandonment of education.

Recruiters reportedly lure individuals, including university students, into multi-level marketing schemes under the guise of legitimate employment, resulting in financial loss and disillusionment. FHG has similarly been flagged for activities that undermine campus harmony.

University officials emphasize the need to maintain a safe and focused learning space, urging students to report suspicious solicitations and stick to approved extracurricular programs.

This action reflects broader efforts to combat illicit organizations in higher education, promoting transparency and student protection.

The bans highlight ongoing challenges in regulating external influences on campuses, with calls for vigilance to ensure educational priorities remain uncompromised.

“The bans follow reports of the groups engaging in practices that resemble cultism, underscoring the need for student protection amid ongoing JAMB 2026 UTME registration preparations.

The United States has deployed a small team of troops to Nigeria, marking the first public acknowledgement of American forces on the ground since air strikes conducted on Christmas Day 2025. General Michael Langley, head of U.S.

Africa Command (AFRICOM), confirmed the deployment, stating it aims to support Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and banditry.

The announcement follows a series of U.S. airstrikes targeting ISIS-linked militants in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025, which Nigeria described as a joint operation.

Those strikes came after President Donald Trump repeatedly warned of threats to Christians in Nigeria and accused the government of failing to protect them. The ground deployment signals a shift toward closer military cooperation, with the U.S. team focused on advisory roles, intelligence sharing, and training to enhance Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities.

Boko Haram and bandit groups have continued to pose significant threats in northern Nigeria, with attacks on communities, kidnappings, and violence contributing to instability.

The U.S. presence is intended to bolster Nigerian forces in addressing these challenges, particularly in areas where insurgents exploit porous borders and rural terrain.

“The deployment underscores US commitment, further emphasized by law makers’ bill on Christian persecution in Nigeria.”

AFRICOM emphasized that the team operates in coordination with Nigerian authorities, respecting national sovereignty while providing expertise in counter-insurgency tactics.

This development occurs amid broader U.S. engagement in West Africa, where security partnerships have intensified to counter extremism.

Nigeria has welcomed the support, viewing it as a step toward stronger bilateral ties. However, some analysts note potential concerns over foreign military involvement in domestic affairs, though officials have stressed the advisory nature of the mission.

The deployment underscores ongoing efforts to stabilize the region, with expectations of further collaboration as Nigeria confronts persistent threats from Boko Haram and banditry.

The deployment aims to support Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and banditry, amid ongoing challenges like the gunmen abduction of over 100 in Kaduna churches and Lassa fever outbreaks in Benue and Jigawa.

Nigerian fuel marketers have warned that petrol prices could surge to N1,000 per liter following a rise in global crude oil prices beyond $70 per barrel.

The alert comes as Brent crude hovered around $70-$81 in recent trading sessions, driven by geopolitical tensions, production adjustments, and market dynamics.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) attributed the potential hike to escalating crude costs, stating that Brent crude’s climb is a major factor.

Dangote Refinery has already increased petrol pump prices at partner stations, with reports indicating a N100 per liter rise in some areas due to higher input costs.

Marketers emphasized that without subsidies, prices will continue to reflect international crude benchmarks and naira exchange rates.

The warning follows the removal of fuel subsidies, which exposed consumers to market forces. With crude prices rising amid global supply concerns, analysts note that further increases could push pump prices higher, exacerbating inflation and transportation costs.

The CBN’s forex interventions and naira stability efforts are monitored closely, as a weaker currency amplifies imported crude expenses.

The warning follows the removal of fuel subsidies, exposing consumers to market forces, amid the recent Naira appreciation to N1,490/$ in the parallel market and CBN fintech license upgrades.”

Marketers urged government support through policies that stabilize supply chains and encourage local refining. Dangote Refinery’s capacity has helped reduce import dependence, but crude volatility remains a key challenge. Consumers face potential hardship if prices reach N1,000, with calls for measures to cushion the impact.

The situation highlights Nigeria’s reliance on global oil markets and the need for sustainable energy strategies to mitigate future shocks.