OTOR

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.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set the timeline for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration, commencing on January 26, 2026, and concluding on February 28, 2026, at accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers nationwide.

This announcement provides prospective candidates with a one-month window to complete the process, ensuring ample time for preparation ahead of the main examination.

Registration must be conducted exclusively at JAMB-approved CBT centers to avoid issues with authenticity and compliance. The board has emphasized the importance of adhering to this guideline, as previous years have seen cases of fraud at unauthorized locations. Candidates are advised to verify center accreditation through JAMB’s official website or offices.

The UTME is a critical requirement for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. For 2026, JAMB has maintained its focus on efficiency, with potential mock exams scheduled for March 28, 2026, for those who opt in by February 16. The main examination dates are expected to be rolled out later, typically falling between April and May, based on historical patterns.

Direct Entry (DE) registration will run separately, from March 10 to April 7, 2026, catering to applicants with higher qualifications seeking direct admission. The cost for UTME registration remains around ₦6,200, covering the form, e-PIN, and compulsory novel, though candidates should confirm the exact fee at CBT centers.

JAMB has introduced measures to enforce age eligibility, aligning with educational policies. This year’s process builds on 2025’s improvements, including enhanced biometric verification to curb impersonation.

Prospective students are encouraged to gather required documents, such as National Identification Number (NIN), O’Level results, and passport photographs, in advance. The board’s portal will open on the start date for online profile creation.

This development signals the beginning of the 2026 admission cycle, with JAMB urging all stakeholders to support a smooth exercise.

“The 2026 admission cycle coincides with campus safety concerns, such as universities banning Neolife and FHG groups.”

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a significant victory in its anti-drug campaign with the seizure of 30 kilograms of heroin concealed in coffee packs at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria.

A Brazilian woman, identified as the courier, was arrested on January 23, 2026, during a routine screening of incoming luggage, marking a major blow to international drug trafficking networks targeting Nigeria.

The operation unfolded when NDLEA officers intercepted the suspect’s baggage from São Paulo, Brazil, on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. Upon inspection, the agency discovered the heroin expertly hidden inside sealed coffee packages, designed to evade detection.

The street value of the seized substance is estimated at over ₦10 billion, highlighting the scale of the attempted importation. The Brazilian national, who was traveling alone, has been taken into custody for further interrogation, with investigations underway to uncover potential accomplices in Nigeria and abroad.

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrest, stating that the agency remains committed to disrupting drug supply chains at entry points.

This seizure follows a series of successful interdictions at Nigerian airports, including recent busts at Lagos and Abuja involving cocaine and other narcotics. The operation demonstrates NDLEA’s enhanced use of advanced scanning technology and intelligence sharing with international partners like Brazil and the UNODC.

The incident underscores the persistent challenge of drug trafficking through African routes, with Nigeria serving as a key transit hub for heroin from South America to Europe and Asia.

Authorities have linked such imports to rising crime rates and health issues in local communities. The arrested woman faces charges under the NDLEA Act, with a court appearance pending.

This development reinforces Nigeria’s role in global anti-drug efforts, as NDLEA continues to collaborate with international agencies to combat transnational crime.