AGP Executive Report

Agriculture Push: One Acre Fund Nigeria has kicked off its 2026 input delivery for 88,000 smallholder farmers in Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara and Plateau, linking fertiliser, seeds and protective gear to a credit-and-training programme aimed at boosting rainy-season yields. APC Primaries Fallout (Niger): In Niger State House of Assembly primaries, Deputy Speaker Affiniki Dauda and 15 others lost return bids, with reports of absence at affirmation and claims the party would not field women or Christians for the 27 seats. Security Shock (Minna): In Minna, Niger State, Jafar Abdullahi Dabawu—an aide to Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba and MEYA youth leader—was stabbed to death after masked attackers invaded his home opposite a police station; authorities say investigations are ongoing. Justice Delayed (Abuja): The N8.7bn Malami money-laundering trial stalled as Malami’s lawyer Joseph Daudu failed to appear, sending the case to June 23. Migration Update: Nigeria’s Immigration Service says 1,100 Nigerian returnees arrived in Kano from Agadez, Niger, by road for profiling and reintegration support. Insecurity Debate (Nigeria/US): Nigerians continue to question whether US-Nigeria military cooperation is changing realities on the ground, even as recent strikes are said to have killed senior ISIS figures.

School Insecurity Shock: A teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded after gunmen abducted staff and pupils from schools in Oyo State, renewing fears that “no part is truly safe.” Women Farmers Push: Niger State set aside N2bn for women under a new agricultural credit scheme, with tractors and input support tied to recovery from post-harvest losses. Mining Crackdown: Niger State moved to stop illegal fees in the mining sector, warning local coordinators they could be dismissed for extorting miners. Maritime Modernisation: Nigeria’s ports chief, Abubakar Dantsoho, warned Africa can’t grow with outdated ports, urging deep-sea upgrades and technology. Disinformation Fight (Nigeria NW): The EU launched an 18-month project to counter disinformation in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi and Niger. Sahel Security Context: Coverage again flags the Sahel as a jihadist gateway—while Niger hosts an AES forum on surrender, demobilisation and reintegration in Niamey. Party Politics (Niger): APC says Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago is unopposed for 2027, as PDP denies claims it blocked aspirants from buying presidential forms.

Niger APC locks in Bago: Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has been affirmed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) unopposed governorship candidate for 2027, with party officials citing his “unity” and development record after the state primary in Minna. Niger security under pressure: A reported military airstrike in Kawon Urege village (Rafi LGA) is said to have killed at least nine civilians, including vigilantes, but the military has not issued an official statement. Flood planning in Niger: NEMA has flagged 11 Niger LGAs as high flood-risk zones for 2026, urging preparedness ahead of the rainy season. APC primaries shift in Kwara: Kwara’s APC governorship primary was postponed from Thursday to Friday, May 22, with no clear reason given. PDP denies form-blocking claims: The Turaki-led PDP says presidential aspirants can still buy nomination forms, after allegations of obstruction. Ghana maritime push: Ghana’s transport ministry says it will expand ports and launch coastal water transport to ease road congestion and boost trade.

Russia-Africa Push: Russia says it will host another Russia-Africa summit in October, with officials already outlining cooperation deals—reportedly including new Mali-focused energy and development agreements—as Moscow deepens Sahel ties amid Western confrontation. Sahel Security & Rights: EU officials say they can do better in handling NW/SW conflict, while Equality Now warns African governments are failing women and girls on sexual violence and legal protection. Niger Oil Pivot: Niger’s military government signs fresh oil deals with China, relaunching Dinga Deep and Abolo-Yogou and securing a 45% stake in the West African Oil Pipeline Company after months of disputes. Counterterrorism Update: Nigeria and the US report killing 175 Islamic State fighters in joint strikes, with claims of destroying weapons and financial networks. Niger APC Primaries Fallout: In Niger State, APC primaries spark fresh religious and internal democracy complaints, with Christian aspirants alleging exclusion. Football Shock: Sunshine Stars U-19 advance in the President Federation Cup after upsetting Niger Tornadoes, while other big-name clubs fall in the Round of 64.

Counterterrorism Update: Nigeria says a joint US-Nigeria operation has killed 175 Islamic State fighters in the northeast, with AFRICOM calling it proof of deeper US capability in Africa; the strikes followed the earlier killing of ISWAP’s deputy, Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, and Nigeria also announced another senior coordinator, Abd-al Wahhab, was eliminated. Niger APC Politics: In Niger State, APC primaries are still shaking politics—Vatsa calls the process a “mockery of democracy,” while a Christian aspirants’ group alleges exclusion, even as Gov. Umaru Bago urges unity and warns winners not to “rejoice yet.” PDP Presidential Moves: The Turaki-led PDP clears Goodluck Jonathan for the 2027 presidential race via a waiver, while other PDP primaries continue, including Taraba’s governorship screening. Women’s Rights Push: Equality Now urges African governments to close legal gaps on sexual violence, FGM, online safety, and women’s property rights at the ACHPR session. AFCON 2027: CAF releases full qualifiers fixtures; Nigeria is drawn in Group L with Tanzania, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau.

US-Nigeria Counterterror Push: Nigeria says a joint operation with the United States has killed 175 Islamic State fighters in the northeast, after the earlier killing of ISWAP’s senior figure Abu Bakr al-Manuki; the military adds that another leader, Abd-al Wahhab, was also eliminated and that strikes hit weapons, checkpoints and financial networks. Oyo School Crisis: In Oyo State, police say more detectives have been deployed to speed up rescue efforts for abducted teachers and students in Oriire, as panic spreads and political pressure mounts after the killing of a teacher linked to the attack. Sahel Security Alarm: US commanders told lawmakers that Africa is now the “epicenter of global terrorism,” warning of ISIS/al-Qaeda entrenchment and growing instability across Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. PDP 2027 Move: The Tanimu Turaki-led PDP faction clears former President Goodluck Jonathan for its presidential primary via a waiver, setting up a fresh opposition scramble. Lagos Governance: Lagos reaffirms data-driven SDG delivery, stressing measurable impact through inter-agency tracking. AFCON 2027 Draw: Nigeria lands in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau, with only the group winner expected to qualify given Tanzania’s host status.

PDP Power Move: Nigeria’s PDP screening committee cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s sole presidential candidate for 2027 via a waiver, after he reportedly bought the nomination form—though his public declaration is still awaited, keeping factional questions alive. Sahel Security: The US and Nigeria say joint strikes have killed 175 Islamic State fighters in recent days, with Nigeria also reporting the killing of another senior IS coordinator in the northeast. AFCON 2027 Draw: CAF’s Cairo draw set Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Group L with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, while hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will still play qualifiers. Local Governance & Safety: A truck crash into a house in Niger State killed two, sparking road blockades over compensation and highlighting how poor infrastructure turns into public anger. France vs Pan-Africanism: A fresh Macron “Pan-Africanist” reply is fueling renewed debate over France’s role as Sahel influence shifts.

Counterterror Push: Nigeria and the US carried out fresh coordinated strikes in Borno’s Metele, killing more than 20 Islamic State militants, following the weekend killing of IS deputy leader Abu Bakr al-Mainuki—showing deeper operational cooperation as both sides say they’re disrupting networks and denying safe havens. School Insecurity: The same week’s terror focus keeps turning to classrooms: HURIWA calls Nigeria’s normalized school abductions a constitutional failure after attacks in Oyo, while reports also point to 42 children taken in Borno. Sahel Reality Check: A new “security map” argument says the AES project is failing across Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger—state control shrinking to cities while jihadist pressure spreads. Niger Crackdown: Niger stepped up enforcement against illegal mining, arresting seven suspects in Minna. Digital Welfare Talks: Lomé hosted regional talks on digitalizing social benefit payments, with Niger among participants. Politics & Party Tensions: Niger APC primaries saw allegations of imposition and protests in some constituencies. Business/Industry: NCCIMA praised Dangote’s industrial expansion, linking it to Niger State’s agriculture priorities.

Sahel Security Reality Check: A new open-source “security map” is being used to argue that the AES project has failed across the Sahel, with Burkina Faso described as the worst hit (over 90% of territory said to be controlled by jihadists or contested). Nigeria–Terrorism: Nigeria and the U.S. carried out fresh strikes in Borno, killing “over 20” Islamic State militants, following the reported killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a joint operation. School Attacks: Reports say 42 schoolchildren were abducted in Borno, while Nigeria’s political class keeps pushing for stronger rescue and security reforms. Niger Politics: Niger APC primaries are still drawing heat over “imposition” allegations and protests in some constituencies, even as reconciliation claims are made. Niger–Hajj Logistics: Niger says it completed transporting 2,281 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia via six flights. Sports: Ghana has been placed in Pot 2 for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers draw in Cairo, setting up a tough path.

APC Primaries Under Fire: Niger State’s APC House of Reps primaries are being rocked by fresh allegations of candidate “imposition,” with protests reported in several constituencies even as some seats produced clear winners. Security Shock in Borno: In the same week Nigeria announced a major counterterrorism strike, suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters reportedly abducted 42 schoolchildren in Askira-Uba, forcing families into renewed fear. Counterterrorism Claim: President Tinubu and the US say Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s global second-in-command, was killed in a joint operation around the Lake Chad Basin—an apparent tactical win, but analysts warn attacks could escalate. Niger Livestock Recovery: Niger police also say they recovered 67 rustled animals after a gun battle with bandits. Economy & Business: NCCIMA lauds Dangote’s Pan-African investment push, while Niger’s trade fair spotlighted public-private partnership themes. Libya Drills: Libya’s LNA staged major exercises near Derna, billed as a message to “friends and foes.”

Counterterrorism Shock: Nigeria and the US say they killed ISIS’s global second-in-command, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in a joint overnight Lake Chad operation, with Trump calling it “flawlessly executed” and Tinubu praising the partnership—though details on where/how remain thin and analysts warn ISIS could retaliate. Education Under Threat: In the same weekend’s grim security backdrop, suspected militants in Borno abduct 42 pupils and children from a school area in Askira-Uba, renewing fears over school kidnappings. Niger Politics: Niger’s ADC governorship race is roiled by pressure on aspirant Mallam Idris Usman Makanta to withdraw over an alleged N3bn rice contract fraud. APC Primaries: APC House of Reps tickets in Niger State go to Abdulsalami Abubakar’s brother (Chanchaga) and other winners across constituencies, while some Suleja primaries faced late materials and complaints. Libya Power Display: Libya’s LNA stages major Haftar-linked exercises near Derna, billed as a message to “friends and foes.” Hajj Logistics: NAHCON reports 32,539 pilgrims airlifted to Saudi Arabia via 80 flights. Local Crime Crackdown: Niger State police arrest fraud suspects and recover 67 rustled cattle after gun duels.

Counterterrorism Shock: US and Nigerian forces say they killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS’s reported global second-in-command, in a complex Lake Chad Basin operation—Trump calls it “flawlessly executed,” while Tinubu praises the “heavy blow,” but details remain thin and analysts warn ISIS can retaliate. Kidnapping Crisis: In Borno’s Askira-Uba, suspected jihadists abduct 42 schoolchildren (figures vary 32–43) after attacking a school and taking more from nearby homes, reviving fears of renewed abductions. Sahel Security Pressure: The strike lands as Mali’s junta faces mounting offensives by JNIM and Tuareg separatists, with criticism that Russia’s support is cracking under battlefield strain. Politics at Home: In Niger State, APC primaries and consensus moves continue amid protests, while constituents hold special prayers for Tinubu, Gov Bago and Sen. Sani Musa ahead of the 2027 race. France-Africa Backlash: Nairobi’s Africa Forward summit draws sharp resistance, with Sahel-linked groups accusing France of humiliating leaders even as Paris pitches new investment and partnerships.

ISIS Strike in Nigeria: US and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by Trump as ISIS’s “second-in-command” and “most active terrorist,” in a joint operation in the Lake Chad Basin; Tinubu confirmed the “elimination” and said lieutenants were also killed, while details remain limited. Borno School Abductions: In Askira-Uba, suspected jihadists abducted dozens of pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School; a senator put the missing at 42, with no group claiming responsibility. Sahel Migration Pressure: IOM says irregular migration flows from Libya fell 17% in Q1 2026, even as arrivals via Libya’s western borders rose; meanwhile Libya deported 415 Nigerien migrants via Brak Al-Shati. Sahel-Politics Noise: A strong Sahel civil-society backlash continues against France and allies over how Sahel leaders are treated, as France pivots its Africa engagement toward East Africa.

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” mission, calling him the group’s “most active” global figure and saying ISIS operations were “greatly diminished.” Terror Tactics & Disruption: Separate reports highlight ongoing pressure on ISIS/ISWAP networks, including claims of 400 Starlink devices seized from terrorists in Nigeria’s north-east. School Attacks: Oyo State saw coordinated raids on multiple schools, with police confirming deaths and abductions, while Borno also reported students taken from a school. Human Rights Pressure: Nigeria’s NHRC is demanding explanations from the Nigerian Air Force over repeated alleged civilian casualties from airstrikes. Nairobi Diplomacy: As France–Africa talks open in Nairobi, Kenya’s ratification of a France defence pact—granting French troops legal immunity—has reignited sovereignty concerns. Sahel Security: Mali’s forces, backed by Russian-linked support, are reported to be striking a rebel alliance as the junta struggles to hold power.

School Abductions in Nigeria: Suspected Boko Haram fighters abducted students from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba, Borno, as classes were ongoing—another grim reminder that schools remain high-value targets. Human Rights Pressure: Nigeria’s NHRC demanded explanations from the Nigerian Air Force over repeated alleged civilian deaths from airstrikes, citing Jilli Market (Yobe), Shiroro Market (Niger) and Tumfa Market (Zamfara). PTA Teachers Strike: Thousands of part-time PTA teachers at Nigeria’s Federal Unity Colleges began withdrawing services over poor pay and delayed regularisation. Security + Economy Crackdowns: Nigeria arrested 327 suspected illegal miners, including foreign nationals linked to terrorism financing claims, while Niger State flagged spending and quality concerns on the Suleja–Madalla road. France–Africa Summit Backlash: In Nairobi, Macron’s Africa Forward Summit continues to spark sovereignty and imperialism debates, even as Kenya ratified a France defence pact granting French troops legal immunity.

France–Africa Summit in Nairobi: From May 11–12, Macron and Kenya’s Ruto host a two-day “Africa Forward Summit” with 30 African leaders, pitching innovation, investment and security—while critics and Pan-African groups push back hard, including a PASAI counter-summit against what they call imperialism. Niger–Nigeria security and governance: Niger State says it will gazette zoning for elective posts to rotate power ahead of 2027, while Nigeria’s NHRC demands answers from the Nigerian Air Force over repeated alleged civilian deaths in airstrikes (Yobe, Niger, Zamfara). Zamfara airstrike fallout: The Tumfa market bombing is driving fresh outrage as locals claim dozens to over a hundred dead, and the military denies civilian casualties. Nigeria infrastructure scrutiny: Tinubu orders emergency repairs on the ₦16.7bn Mokwa bridge replacement after cracks went viral. Elections pressure: Ahead of Niger APC primaries, aspirants sign a peace accord to curb violence. Sahel humanitarian alarm: UN chief Guterres warns the Sahel is sliding into a humanitarian emergency as violence and displacement grow.