AGP Executive Report

Agri Support Kickoff: One Acre Fund Nigeria has launched its 2026 input delivery for 88,000 smallholder farmers in Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara and Plateau, handing out fertiliser, seeds and protective gear while linking farmers to credit and training so they can repay over the rainy season. Insecurity Hits Close to Home: In Minna, Niger State, masked assailants invaded the home of Jafar Abdullahi Dabawu, aide to the deputy governor and MEYA youth leader, stabbing him to death opposite a police station; authorities say investigations are ongoing. Court Delay: The N8.7bn money laundering trial of former AGF Abubakar Malami stalled after his lawyer Joseph Daudu failed to appear, pushing the case to June 23. Migration Pressure: Nigeria’s immigration says 1,100 returnees from Agadez, Niger Republic, arrived in Kano by road for profiling and reintegration support. Politics: Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu congratulated Deputy Hamzat on winning the APC governorship ticket, while Niger APC’s Bago emerged unopposed for 2027. Health & Economy: Mutual Benefits Assurance posted a 45% profit jump, and malaria reintroduction risk is flagged for parts of the US.

EU Disinformation Crackdown: The EU has launched an 18-month project with CJID to fight harmful falsehoods in Nigeria’s North-West, targeting Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi and Niger and aiming to protect democracy and reduce violence triggers. Niger Farming Push: Niger State set aside N2bn in women-focused credit facilities for the 2026 farming season, with tractors and input support planned through partners like One Acre Fund. Mining Fees Crackdown: Niger’s mineral ministry says it will dismiss any local coordinators caught extorting artisanal miners or collecting illegal “ministry” fees. Ports Modernisation Debate: Abubakar Dantsoho warns Africa can’t grow with obsolete ports, calling for deep-sea upgrades and technology. Sahel Security Lens: Coverage again flags the Sahel as a jihadist gateway, while Niger hosts an AES forum on surrender, demobilisation and reintegration of ex-combatants. Health Alert: Nigeria says it’s readying Ebola prevention measures after outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda. Politics, Niger: APC declares Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago unopposed for 2027, while PDP factions trade denials over claims about blocking presidential aspirants from buying forms.

Ghana Maritime Push: Ghana’s Deputy Transport Minister Dorcas Affo-Toffey says the country will modernise ports and logistics to make Accra a West Africa maritime hub, including 24-hour port operations, the $1.5bn Tema expansion, and a coastal water transport plan to cut road congestion. Niger APC Politics: Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has been declared APC’s unopposed governorship candidate for 2027, while the APC urges unity among lawmakers-elect. PDP Presidential Forms Row: Kabiru Turaki-led PDP denies blocking aspirants from buying nomination forms, insisting forms remain available until May 22 and screening follows May 23. Flood Warnings in Niger: NEMA flags 11 Niger LGAs as high flood-risk zones for 2026 rainy season. ASUU Strike Threat: ASUU warns that non-implementation of the December 2025 agreement could trigger fresh university unrest. Security & Sports: Nigeria-US strikes reportedly killed 175 Islamic State fighters; in football, AFCON 2027 qualifiers draw sets Nigeria in Group L with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Russia-Africa Push: Russia says it will hold its next Russia-Africa summit in October, with officials already outlining new cooperation deals—especially with Mali—as Moscow deepens Sahel ties and positions itself against Western influence. Sahel Security & Terror: Nigeria and the US report major strikes against Islamic State fighters, killing 175 in recent days and targeting senior commanders, as US officials warn Africa is becoming the “epicentre of global terrorism.” Niger Oil Pivot: Niger’s military government signs fresh oil agreements with Chinese firms, relaunching projects worth about $1bn and seeking more control after months of disputes. Politics in Niger & Nigeria: Niger APC primaries face backlash over alleged exclusion of Christian aspirants, while PDP in Taraba clears a governorship aspirant and PDP factions keep moving toward 2027. AFCON 2027 Draw: Nigeria lands in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau, setting up a familiar, tough qualification run. Oyo Horror: Ongoing outrage follows the abduction and killing of a teacher in Oyo, renewing calls for stronger local security.

Counterterrorism: Nigeria says a US-Nigeria joint operation has killed 175 Islamic State fighters in the northeast, with AFRICOM calling it a sign of deeper US capability in Africa; the strikes followed the earlier killing of ISWAP’s West Africa deputy, Abu Bakr al-Mainuki. Human Rights: Equality Now urged African governments to close legal gaps on sexual violence, FGM, online safety, and women’s rights, warning that weak enforcement leaves millions unprotected. Niger Politics: In Niger, APC primaries are under fire—Vatsa calls the process a “demonstration of craze,” while a Christian aspirants group complains of exclusion. Elections in Nigeria: PDP moves continue—Dinshiya cleared for Taraba governorship, and Jonathan is cleared for the presidential race by waiver in the Turaki-led faction. AFCON 2027: CAF released the full qualifiers schedule; Nigeria lands Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. EU vs Misinformation: The EU and CJID launch a project to tackle disinformation in north-west Nigeria.

Counterterror Strike: Nigeria says joint US-Nigeria operations have killed 175 Islamic State fighters, including senior leaders Abu Bakr al-Manuki and Abd-al Wahhab, with claims that weapons, checkpoints and finance networks were hit—while US commanders warn Africa is now the “epicenter” of global terrorism. School Attack Fallout: In Oyo State, police are intensifying efforts to rescue abducted teachers and students after coordinated school raids and the killing of a teacher sparked fresh outrage and calls for stronger local security. Politics in Motion: The PDP’s Turaki-led faction clears former President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 presidential primary via a waiver, even as questions swirl over his public declaration. Governance Push: Lagos State reiterates data-driven SDG delivery, touting evidence-based coordination across ministries. AFCON 2027 Draw: Nigeria lands in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania (co-host) and Guinea-Bissau, where only the top team may qualify. Trade Watch: Kenya’s first avocado shipments to China arrive under Beijing’s zero-tariff deal, signaling potential export gains.

PDP Power Move: Nigeria’s PDP cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate for 2027 via a waiver, after screening by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction—while questions linger over whether he truly submitted nomination steps publicly. Counterterror Update: Nigeria says joint US-Nigeria strikes have killed 175 Islamic State fighters in recent days, with the military also reporting the death of another senior IS coordinator in the northeast. AFCON 2027 Draw: The Super Eagles learned their Group L rivals—Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau—as CAF confirmed qualification groups in Cairo for the Kenya-Uganda-Tanzania tournament. Sahel Security Warning: Experts warn jihadists are increasingly teaming up with separatists and other armed groups, citing Mali’s recent attacks as a sign the region’s insecurity is deepening. France vs Pan-Africanism: A fresh Macron reply fuels the latest debate over France’s “Pan-Africanist” claims as its influence faces renewed backlash.

Counterterror Strike: Nigeria and U.S. forces carried out fresh operations in Borno’s Metele area, killing more than 20 Islamic State militants, as the campaign continues after the recent killing of IS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. School-Security Crisis: The week’s violence keeps hitting classrooms—39 pupils were abducted in Oyo State and 42 children were seized in Borno—prompting renewed calls for stronger protection and faster rescue. Sahel Reality Check: A new “security map” argues the AES project has failed across Burkina Faso and beyond, with jihadist control and contested territory expanding. Digital Welfare Push: Lomé hosted regional talks on digitalizing social benefit payments, aiming for interoperable systems across West and Central Africa. Niger Focus: Niger says it has completed transporting 2,281 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, and reorganized Agadez border security with two tactical headquarters. Business & Politics: NCCIMA lauds Dangote’s industrial expansion, while Niger APC politics stays focused on reconciliation ahead of 2027 primaries.

School Terror in Nigeria: President Tinubu condemned the killing of a kidnapped teacher in Oyo and vowed all abducted victims will be rescued, urging the National Assembly to let states set up their own police forces. Borno Abductions: In Askira-Uba, terrorists abducted 42 schoolchildren, with reports linking the raid to Boko Haram and ISWAP. Counterterror Push: Nigeria and the U.S. carried out fresh strikes in Borno, killing 20+ Islamic State militants, following the earlier reported elimination of ISIS “second-in-command” Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. Sahel Security Reality Check: A new analysis argues Mali’s and the wider Sahel’s military rule has failed to restore control, pointing to a worsening security map. Niger Updates: Niger says it has transported 2,281 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, and reorganized its Agadez border operations with two tactical headquarters. Sports Politics: Ghana has been placed in Pot 2 for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers draw in Cairo, setting up a tough path.

Counterterrorism Shock: Nigeria and the US say they killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS’s global second-in-command, in a joint Lake Chad Basin operation—yet rights groups warn one strike won’t end the threat. Borno School Abduction: Hours after the announcement, suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters reportedly seized 42 schoolchildren in Askira-Uba, renewing fears of mass kidnappings. Security Strategy Debate: HURIWA urges a sustained national counter-terror plan, while analysts flag possible retaliation and the need to plug funding and recruitment. Local Politics, National Stakes: APC House of Reps primaries produced winners amid disputes and delays, including Niger State contests tied to prominent political families. Niger Business Push: NCCIMA praises Dangote’s expansion as a pan-African investment engine. Libya Drills: The Libyan National Army stages major exercises near Derna, calling it a message to friends and foes. Sports Note: Ghana and Cape Verde miss AFCON top-seed status despite World Cup qualification.

Counterterror Strike: Nigeria and the US say they killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS’s global second-in-command, in a joint operation around the Lake Chad Basin, with President Tinubu praising the “daring” mission after Trump announced the death. Sahel Security Pressure: The move lands as militants keep striking—suspected jihadists reportedly abducted 42 pupils in Borno, renewing fears of school kidnappings in areas with weak protection. Libya Power Show: In Derna, Libya’s LNA is running major two-week exercises, billed as a “message” to friends and foes ahead of May 19. Niger Politics: In Niger State, ADC faces fresh internal pressure over an aspirant linked to an alleged N3bn rice fraud, while APC primaries continue to shape the 2027 race, including Niger lawmakers emerging from party contests. Local Life: Zuma Agric Radio flagged off the 2026 planting season, pushing practical farm support for food security.

Counterterrorism Shock: The US and Nigeria say they killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS’s “second-in-command,” in a coordinated Lake Chad Basin operation, with Trump calling it “flawlessly executed” and Tinubu confirming the “elimination” of the senior leader and several lieutenants. Sahel Security Pressure: The strike lands as ISIS/ISWAP pressure stays high across the region, and analysts warn retaliation and continued attacks are still possible. Borno School Kidnapping: Hours around the same period, suspected jihadists abducted 42 schoolchildren in Borno’s Askira-Uba area, reigniting fears of another wave of mass kidnappings. Diplomacy & Influence: In Nairobi, the France–Africa summit is drawing fresh backlash, with critics saying Paris is trying to rebrand its influence as it faces resistance from Sahel states. Politics at Home: In Niger State, APC primaries and 2027 race politics continue alongside special prayer sessions for Tinubu, Gov Bago, and Senator Sani Musa.

School Kidnapping Crisis (Nigeria): Suspected jihadists in Borno’s Askira-Uba abducted dozens of pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School; a senator says 42 are missing, with parents reporting 35–43 taken, and a desperate search is underway. ISIS Blow (Nigeria-US): In a separate major development, US and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki—described by Trump as ISIS’s second-in-command and “the most active terrorist in the world”—in a joint operation in the Lake Chad Basin, with Tinubu confirming the elimination of al-Minuki and several lieutenants. Sahel-France Tensions: SAS-CaN strongly objects to France and allies “humiliating” Sahel leaders, as the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi spotlights growing backlash over France’s role. Economy Watch (Nigeria): Nigeria’s inflation hit 15.69% in April, driven mainly by food and transport costs. France-Africa Politics: Kenya ratified a France defence pact granting French troops immunity from Kenyan prosecution, reigniting sovereignty and accountability debates.

ISIS Strike in Nigeria: US President Donald Trump says US and Nigerian forces killed ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a “meticulously planned” operation, calling him the group’s “most active” global terrorist; Trump thanked Nigeria and said ISIS’s global operations were “greatly diminished,” though the location was not disclosed. France–Africa Summit Fallout: Nairobi hosts a France–Africa summit with Macron and 30 African leaders, but the agenda is already drawing sharp pushback over France’s shifting strategy and lingering sovereignty concerns, while Kenya’s defence pact debate with France keeps simmering. Security and Rights Pressure: Nigeria’s NHRC is demanding explanations over recurring civilian deaths linked to airstrikes, as reports of school attacks and ongoing kidnappings underline how fast violence is spreading. Cost of Living: Nigeria’s April inflation edges up to 15.69% as food and transport pressures bite unevenly across states. Local Governance Watch: Niger State road spending and repairs remain under scrutiny after reports of cracks and gravel washouts.

Nigerian Inflation Watch: Nigeria’s headline inflation climbed to 15.69% in April (from 15.38% in March) as food, transport, hospitality and healthcare costs kept pressure on households, with food inflation hitting the highest levels in Enugu, Kwara and Adamawa. EFCC Crackdown: In Kaduna, the EFCC arraigned a woman over alleged N328.6m fraud, pleading not guilty and ordered remand as the case heads to trial. Human Rights Pushback: Nigeria’s NHRC demanded answers from the Nigerian Air Force over recurring alleged civilian deaths from airstrikes, naming incidents in Yobe, Niger and Zamfara. Sahel Security: Mali’s forces carried out airstrikes on Kidal as rebels and Tuareg separatists press offensives, while Chad denied targeting civilians on Lake Chad. France–Africa Tension: Nairobi’s Africa Forward Summit opens with fresh debate over France’s security role in Kenya, amid protests and sovereignty concerns. Local Governance Fallout: Niger State says it spent N2.1bn on the Suleja–Madalla road, but residents complain gravel work is washing away and more money is planned.

Sahel Shockwaves: A Nigerian Air Force airstrike on Zamfara’s Tumfa market has left “dozens” dead, with some claims pushing past 100, as the NHRC demands answers over repeated civilian casualties tied to airstrikes in Yobe, Niger and Zamfara. Accountability Pressure: The NHRC says the bombings keep recurring and calls for measures to prevent more civilian deaths—while the military denies civilian harm. Infrastructure Fallout: Nigeria’s Tinubu government ordered emergency repairs on the ₦16.7bn Mokwa bridge replacement after SaharaReporters exposed cracking and deterioration. Oil Update: Nigeria is nearing its OPEC quota as vandalism drops—output reportedly hit a 1.85mbpd peak with “zero infractions” recorded on the Trans Niger Pipeline. Politics Ahead of Primaries: Niger APC aspirants signed a peace accord to keep the May 15 primaries violence-free. Niger Focus: Niger’s government says it will gazette zoning for elective posts to rotate power across local areas. Culture & Sport: NSF handed out squash gear to grassroots coaches in Abuja. France–Africa Tension: Nairobi hosts the France–Africa summit amid protests and backlash over France’s renewed push into East Africa.