AGP Executive Report

ISIS Strike’s Ripple Effect: President Tinubu confirmed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s global No.2, was killed in a joint US-Nigeria operation—an event that could reshape the Sahel and Lake Chad threat map and test how ISIS adapts when its top leadership is hit. Niger State Spending Scrutiny: Niger State is again under fire for capital spending on guest-house “tables and chairs,” with documents showing N1.6bn spent in 2025 and another N1.5bn budgeted for similar purchases. Security on the Ground: Nigerians continue to question whether high-profile joint strikes are translating into safer daily life, as insecurity persists across regions. Court Delays: Abubakar Malami’s N8.7bn money laundering trial stalled after his lawyer failed to appear, pushing the case to June 23. Agriculture Credit Push: One Acre Fund flagged off input delivery for 88,000 smallholder farmers in Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara and Plateau. Kenya Protest Debate: Nairobi arrests during the Africa Forward Summit reignited arguments over protest rights versus public order and diplomatic ties.

Farm Finance Boost: One Acre Fund Nigeria has flagged off its 2026 input delivery for 88,000 smallholder farmers in Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara and Plateau, with fertiliser, seeds and protective gear tied to a credit programme that lets farmers pay back after the rainy-season harvest. Court Delay: The N8.7bn money laundering trial of former AGF Abubakar Malami was stalled again after his SAN’s absence, pushing the case to June 23. Security Shock: In Minna, Niger State, assailants invaded the residence of Jafar Abdullahi Dabawu, aide to the deputy governor, killing him in a brazen attack opposite a police station. Insecurity Debate: Nigerians are still questioning whether high-profile Nigeria–US military collaboration is changing daily realities, even as reports claim 175 ISIS fighters were killed in joint strikes. Education Under Pressure: ASUU warns another university crisis if the December 2025 agreement isn’t fully implemented. Business Watch: Mutual Benefits Assurance’s 2025 net profit rose 45%, driven by stronger insurance revenue.

Security & Schools: Oyo State is still reeling after gunmen abducted pupils and teachers, killing educator Michael Oyedokun in captivity—renewing fears that “no part is safe” and pushing louder calls for stronger local protection. Mining Governance: Niger State moves to stop illegal fees in the artisanal mining sector, warning local coordinators they could be dismissed and ordered to correct their identities. Maritime Push: Port chiefs and officials again warn that Africa can’t grow with obsolete ports—urging deep-sea upgrades, tech, and faster logistics to handle bigger vessels. EU Information War: The EU launches an 18-month project to counter disinformation in Nigeria’s North-West, targeting high-risk states and working with media, civil society, and digital influencers. Sahel Terror Alarm: Coverage flags the Sahel as a jihadist gateway, stressing weak governance and poverty as fuel for recruitment. Energy Spotlight: A feature argues solar is Africa’s most available path to power access, as grid reach remains low.

Maritime Push in West Africa: Ghana is moving to modernise ports and cut road pressure with a coastal water transport plan, as the Deputy Transport Minister says 24-hour port operations, the $1.5bn Tema expansion and a Takoradi oil-and-gas hub are key steps. Ports Need Upgrades: The Port Management Association’s head (also Nigeria’s NPA boss) warns Africa can’t grow with obsolete ports and calls for deeper, bigger-ship capable facilities plus digital systems. Counterterrorism Update: Nigeria and the US report killing 175 Islamic State fighters in the northeast, with AFRICOM saying the operation shows deeper US capability in Africa. Security on the Ground: In Oyo State, police say more detectives have been deployed to secure the release of abducted teachers and pupils after attacks in Oriire. Politics, Niger State: APC primaries continue to stir power struggles, with critics calling the process a “facade” and “mockery of democracy.” Business & Finance: UBA’s Oliver Alawuba and Niger Governor Umar Bago were honoured at ICAN’s 2026 awards in Lagos.

Russia-Africa Push: Russia says it will host a Russia–Africa summit in October, with officials already outlining cooperation deals—especially with Mali—aimed at deepening Moscow’s political, military and economic ties as Western pressure continues. Niger Oil Power Shift: Niger’s military government signs fresh oil agreements with Chinese firms, relaunching Dinga Deep and Abolo-Yogou and securing a 45% stake in the West African Oil Pipeline Company after months of disputes—part of a drive for tighter control of resources. Counterterrorism Update: Nigeria and the US report killing 175 Islamic State fighters in joint strikes, including senior leaders, while US commanders warn Africa is now the “epicentre of global terrorism.” Governance & Integrity: UBA’s Oliver Alawuba receives an ICAN award in Lagos, while Lagos reiterates evidence-based SDG delivery. Rights & Safety: Equality Now urges stronger enforcement of laws on sexual violence and women’s rights across Africa. Security on the Ground: North-west Nigeria launches an EU-backed push to curb disinformation amid ongoing insecurity.

Counterterror Surge: Nigeria and the United States say a joint operation has killed 175 Islamic State fighters in the northeast, with Nigeria also reporting the deaths of senior commanders Abu Bakr al-Mainuki and Abd-al Wahhab and the destruction of weapons, checkpoints and financial networks. US Warning to Lawmakers: AFRICOM’s head told Congress Africa is now the “epicenter of global terrorism,” citing ISIS/al-Qaeda growth and warning that instability in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso is helping extremists entrench. Sahel Security Alarm: Analysts warn jihadists are increasingly teaming up with separatists and local armed groups, turning coordinated attacks in Mali into a wider regional threat. EU Disinformation Push (North-West Nigeria): The EU and CJID launch an 18-month project in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi and Niger to strengthen media literacy and democratic resilience against misinformation. Niger-China Oil Deal: After months of disputes, Niger signs new oil agreements with Chinese firms, including relaunching Dinga Deep and Abolo-Yogou and raising output targets by 2029. Niger Politics: A Niger State APC chieftain, Jonathan Vatsa, calls the party’s primaries a “facade” and alleges heavy inducements. Women’s Rights Call: Equality Now urges African governments to close legal gaps on sexual violence, FGM, online safety and women’s property rights.

US-Nigeria Counterterror Push: Nigeria says joint strikes with the U.S. have killed 175 Islamic State fighters, with the military also reporting the elimination of another senior coordinator, Abd-al Wahhab, and destruction of weapons, checkpoints and financial networks—while U.S. commanders tell Congress Africa is now the “epicenter of global terrorism.” Oyo Security Crisis: In Nigeria’s South-West, Oyo’s school abductions and killings are driving fresh pressure for stronger local policing and faster rescue operations as panic spreads. Sahel Alarm: Security experts warn jihadists are increasingly teaming up with local armed groups across the Sahel, and U.S. officials flag shrinking presence and an “intelligence black hole” risk. Lagos SDGs Drive: Lagos reaffirms data-driven governance to accelerate SDG delivery, stressing measurable impact through better inter-agency tracking. Trade & Integration: Togo scraps entry visa requirements for all African passport holders, while China’s zero-tariff deal is already boosting African exports like Kenya’s avocados. Business Recognition: UBA’s Oliver Alawuba and Niger State Governor Umar Bago were honoured at ICAN’s 2026 awards night.

Counterterror Update: Nigeria says joint US-Nigeria strikes have killed 175 Islamic State fighters in recent days, including the reported elimination of senior leaders Abu-Bakr al-Mainuki and Abd-al Wahhab, with militants’ weapons, checkpoints and “financial networks” hit across the northeast. Sahel Security Alarm: Experts warn that jihadists are increasingly teaming up with separatists and local armed groups, using Mali’s April attacks as a sign of a widening terror–insurgent convergence. France vs Africa Narrative: A fresh wave of debate follows France’s “Africa Forward” push in Nairobi, with critics arguing Paris is trying to rebrand imperial influence as it loses ground in the Sahel. Governance & Tech: Lagos reiterates data-driven SDG delivery, while a separate look at AI adoption shows smaller economies leading everyday AI use. Trade & Industry: NCCIMA hails Dangote’s industrial push, and China’s zero-tariff move is already boosting some African exports. Local Life: Kebbi Hisbah arrests a man allegedly hiding in a “Ghana Must-Go” bag at a married woman’s home.

Counterterrorism in the Lake Chad Basin: Nigeria and the US carried out fresh coordinated strikes in Borno’s Metele, killing more than 20 Islamic State militants, as the operation follows the recent killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s global No.2. Security pressure on schools: The week also brought fresh alarms over child safety, with reports of 39 pupils abducted in Oyo State and earlier kidnappings in Borno—renewing calls for faster rescue and stronger local protection. Sahel reality check: A new “security map” argument says the AES model is failing across Burkina Faso, Mali and beyond, as violence keeps expanding. Digital welfare push: Lomé hosted a regional workshop on digitalizing social benefit payments, with Niger among the countries discussing interoperable systems. Industry spotlight: NCCIMA praised Dangote’s investment drive as a jobs-and-industrialisation engine for Niger and Nigeria. Health watch: Nigeria’s malaria fight remains stuck, with reports pointing to funding gaps and rising resistance.

Sahel Reality Check: A new open-source security map is being used to argue that the AES project has failed “systematically and comprehensively,” with Burkina Faso described as the worst hit and Mali’s control shrinking to pockets. Nigerian Security: Nigeria and the US say a joint operation in the Lake Chad Basin killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS’s global second-in-command, but fresh reporting also flags a separate terror shock: suspected militants abducted 42 pupils and children in Borno. Regional Response: ECOWAS lawmakers are pushing for a stronger, united Sahel counter-terror push as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger’s withdrawal from the bloc raises alarm. Business & Trade: Indoco Remedies says it has completed the transfer of its ophthalmic business to Sunways (India) across multiple African countries, while a report says AfCFTA full implementation could lift intra-Africa commerce to 53%. Politics & Governance: Nigeria’s state-police debate returns as security reform calls grow, alongside ongoing 2027 party primaries and candidate controversies.

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—Trump calls it “flawless,” Tinubu says it dealt a “heavy blow,” but details remain thin and analysts warn ISIS and ISWAP can still retaliate. Security Pressure on Schools: Even as the strike was announced, reports in Borno say suspected militants abducted 42 pupils and children in Askira-Uba, reigniting fears of school-targeted kidnappings. Regional Terror Response: ECOWAS lawmakers are pushing for a stronger, united Sahel approach as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger’s security posture reshapes the fight. Business & Investment: Niger’s trade circles are upbeat about Dangote’s expansion, with NCCIMA praising the group’s pan-African investment push. Local Politics: In Niger State, an ADC governorship aspirant faces pressure to step aside over alleged N3bn rice contract fraud ahead of 2027 primaries.

Counterterrorism Shock: Nigeria and the US say they killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s global second-in-command, in a joint Lake Chad Basin operation, with Trump calling it “flawlessly executed” and Tinubu confirming the strike that also hit his lieutenants. Fresh Blow to Security: Even as the raid was announced, reports emerged that suspected Islamist militants abducted 42 pupils and children in Borno’s Askira-Uba, renewing fears over school safety and weak local protection. Sahel Power Shifts: Mali’s crisis deepened as coordinated attacks by JNIM and the Azawad Liberation Front exposed how fragile junta control remains, while ECOWAS lawmakers urged a stronger regional response as Sahel states’ ties with the bloc strain. Niger Politics & Justice: In Niger State, an ADC governorship aspirant faced pressure to withdraw over alleged N3bn rice contract fraud, while Boko Haram bomber Kabiru Sokoto appealed his terrorism life sentence, arguing delays were beyond his control. Local Policing: Niger State police arrested four fraud suspects in a vehicle scam and recovered 67 rustled cattle after a gun duel.

Kidnapping Crisis in Borno: Suspected Islamists abducted 42 schoolchildren in Borno, triggering a desperate search and renewed fears of retaliation after a major counterterrorism strike. ISIS Blow in Lake Chad Basin: The US and Nigeria jointly killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by Washington as ISIS’s “second-in-command” and “most active terrorist,” in a complex overnight operation around Lake Chad; details are still emerging, but Nigeria’s military and Trump/Tinubu both framed it as a heavy blow to ISIS networks. Security Pressure Still Rising: Analysts warn one high-profile death won’t end the war, as groups across the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel may look to strike back. Politics and Faith Mobilisation: In Niger State, constituents held special prayers for Tinubu, Gov Bago and Sen. Sani Musa ahead of primaries. Cost of Living: Nigeria’s inflation stayed high at 15.69% in April, with food and transport pressures biting hardest. Nairobi France Summit Fallout: Macron’s Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi is drawing backlash, with critics questioning France’s shifting strategy and sovereignty concerns.

Counterterror Strike: The US and Nigeria say they killed Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki, described by Washington as ISIS’s “second-in-command” and “most active terrorist,” in a joint operation tied to the Lake Chad Basin; Trump hailed a “flawlessly executed” mission while Abuja confirmed the death and said lieutenants were also hit. Sahel Security & Rights: The NHRC is pressing the Nigerian Air Force to explain recurring civilian deaths from airstrikes, warning that promises of reforms are not stopping the pattern. Migration Watch: IOM reports irregular migrant flows from Libya fell 17% in Q1 2026, even as arrivals via Libya’s western borders with Tunisia and Algeria nearly doubled. Economy & Cost of Living: Nigeria’s inflation rose to 15.69% in April as food and transport costs climbed, though month-on-month price growth slowed. France–Africa Tensions: As France and Kenya host the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Sahel voices are protesting France’s exclusion of AES leaders, calling it a bid to “humiliate” Sahel states.

UN Labour Agency Showdown: The US backed Russia and China at the International Labour Organization, pushing to soften language on Ukraine—an unusual split that signals bigger global labour politics. Kenya–France Sovereignty Row: Kenya ratified a defence pact with France granting French troops legal immunity in Kenyan courts, reigniting debate over accountability and constitutional sovereignty. West Africa Trade Surge: Maritime firms are expanding across West Africa as shipping reroutes around the Cape of Good Hope, boosting demand for bunkering and repairs. Nigeria Inflation Watch: Nigeria’s headline inflation rose to 15.69% in April (from 15.38%), with food inflation at 16.06% and sharp state differences—Enugu, Kwara and Adamawa hit hardest. Roads, Money, Trust: Tinubu says a 1,000km Sokoto–Badagry road will link Benin and Ghana using local cement, while Niger State residents lament gravel-wash damage on the Suleja–Madalla road and question spending. Security & Rights: The NHRC demanded answers from the Nigerian Air Force over recurring civilian deaths tied to airstrikes, as EFCC arraigned a Kaduna fraud suspect over N328.5m.

Inflation Watch: Nigeria’s headline inflation climbed to 15.69% in April 2026 (from 15.38% in March), with food inflation at 16.06% and transport, hospitality and healthcare costs adding pressure—Enugu, Kwara and Adamawa were hit hardest. Security & Rights: The NHRC demanded answers from the Nigerian Air Force over recurring civilian deaths from airstrikes, citing markets and communities in Yobe, Niger and Zamfara—while reports of a deadly Tumfa market strike in Zamfara keep the spotlight on accountability. Anti-Crime Push: The EFCC arraigned a Kaduna-based woman over alleged N328.6m fraud, and Nigeria also arrested 327 illegal miners, including suspects linked to terrorism financing. Local Governance: Niger State says it spent N2.1bn on the Suleja–Madalla Road but gravel washouts and quality complaints persist, with another N12bn planned. Sahel Update: Mali’s forces launched airstrikes targeting a rebel alliance as the junta fights to hold power. France–Africa Politics: Nairobi’s Africa Forward Summit continues to spark backlash over France’s renewed engagement and security ties.