AGP Executive Report

SDP Crisis Deepens: The Shehu Gabam-led faction of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled key members tied to the Sadiq Gombe-led NWC, including Dr Olu Agunloye and Dr Sadiq Gombe, after a national convention and presidential primary in Abuja. Ebola Scare, Reassurance: FAAN says there is no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria but has intensified health screening at international airports. Security Update: Nigeria and the US say joint operations have killed 175 Islamic State fighters and senior commanders in the northeast, with AFRICOM confirming no US or Nigerian troops were harmed. Anti-Corruption Follow-Through: EFCC has arrested ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman a week after his 75-year conviction, after he went into hiding. Climate & Trade Moves: FG launched a Net-Zero Investment Plan, while approvals for five deep seaports aim to reclaim over 70% of cargo traffic. Politics 2027: ADC screens aspirants; SDP elects Abimbola Atanda as presidential candidate; Kaduna NDC backs an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. Drugs Crackdown: NDLEA says it dismantled a Nigerian-Mexican meth syndicate and seized drugs worth ₦480bn in Ogun/Lagos.

Counterterrorism Update: Nigeria and the US say joint airstrikes in the North-East have killed 175 ISIS fighters, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, and smashed checkpoints, weapons caches, logistics hubs and financial networks. Regional Security Politics: In a sharp contrast, an editorial blasts Nigeria’s plan to deploy troops to Benin to “defend democracy,” arguing the country can’t secure itself while exporting stability. Telecom Race: The US Trade and Development Agency is funding a feasibility study to deploy about 1,500 US-made wireless base stations across West Africa, aiming to challenge China’s telecom dominance. Oil & Gas Tension: JETFON backs Dangote’s refinery and urges FG to cancel fresh petrol import licences, after new import permits sparked fresh controversy. Elections & Parties: ADC screening puts Peter Obi forward as its sole presidential aspirant, while Amaechi denies any ADC deal to become VP. Health Watch: WHO warns of a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, with suspected deaths rising and cases crossing borders. Public Safety: EFCC arrests ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman after a 75-year fraud conviction. Scam Alert: BBNaija warns auditions are free and urges Nigerians to ignore anyone demanding payment.

US-Nigeria Crackdown: Nigeria extradited Samuel Ugberaese to the US to face wire fraud and money-laundering charges tied to a cross-border romance scam targeting elderly victims. Counterterror Update: Defence HQ says joint airstrikes with the US have killed 175 ISIS fighters in the northeast, including senior leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, with checkpoints, caches and financial networks hit. Politics & Unity: Tinubu and VP Shettima pushed a unity message around Gowon’s memoir, while Shettima alleged attempts to spark bad blood with Tinubu soon after 2023 inauguration. PDP 2027 Move: A PDP faction claims Goodluck Jonathan has been cleared as the sole presidential aspirant via waiver. Tech & Talent: UK launches a pan-African founder support programme during London Tech Week, and MEST opens applications for its AI startup programme. Sports & Draw: AFCON 2027 qualifiers draw sets Nigeria in Group L with Tanzania as co-host; Portugal also named its World Cup squad.

Power Upgrade in Ogun: Governor Dapo Abiodun says his “Light-Up Ogun” plan is moving from campaign talk to 24-hour supply, with a 30MW phase at Onijanganjangan near Ewekoro and a 4MW gas plant in Oke-Mosan for priority institutions—aimed at cutting outages and industrial costs. 2027 Politics, Primaries Heat Up: APC senatorial primaries keep rolling—Kaduna North (Mukhtar Yero), Kaduna Central (Shehu Sani), Ekiti Central/North/South (Bamidele/Fasuyi/Adaramodu), Lagos West (Idiat Adebule by consensus), and Sokoto North (Wamakko by affirmation)—while Rotimi Amaechi tells Atiku to “go to primaries” over zoning. Security Shock in Oyo: Tinubu condemns the reported killing of an abducted teacher in Oriire, as Makinde vows government won’t surrender to terror and says rescue efforts are ongoing. Terror Update: Nigeria and US forces report killing 20+ IS militants in Borno operations. Economy Watch: Naira edges down to about ₦1,373.70/$; NGX opens week bearish, shedding N81bn. Health Alert: NCDC tightens Ebola surveillance as the outbreak spreads in Central Africa.

Security Crisis: US and Nigerian forces carried out fresh airstrikes in Borno, killing 20+ IS/ISWAP militants, as kidnappings keep spreading—Oyo State says 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted, one teacher killed during a rescue attempt, and Tinubu condemned the “barbaric” killing while ordering intensified rescue efforts. Legal & Rights: EFCC apologised to UUTH and the Nigerian Medical Association after a “lawless” raid, while rights lawyers accuse DSS and police of militarising Abuja courts and assaulting counsels during the “Justice Crack” trial. Politics & Party Tensions: Ondo APC primaries turned chaotic with gunshots, and an Ondo APC petition alleges disrupted primaries and missing results. Economy & Markets: CBN’s cash reserve pressure is draining banks—one report pegs lost earnings at ₦2.5tn yearly—while the SEC sets June 1 for Nigeria’s shift to a T+1 settlement cycle. Sports & Culture: FIFA cleared Wrexham keeper Arthur Okonkwo to debut for Nigeria, and Lagos will host the 7th Africa Illustrious Awards on June 6.

Ebola Alert: Nigeria has stepped up surveillance as Congo reports 80 deaths from a fresh Ebola outbreak, with WHO warning the situation could be bigger than known. Security & Schools: Fresh militant attacks have left over 80 children missing after kidnappings in Borno and Oyo, deepening Nigeria’s school-security crisis. APC Politics: APC House of Reps primaries are drawing fire after reports that former presidents’ and governors’ children won tickets—while some incumbents lost return bids. Economy & Rates: Ahead of the MPC, CPPE cautions against more interest-rate hikes, while a CBN survey says 63.3% of Nigerians want rates reduced. Business & Finance: Chapel Hill Denham says CBN rules give foreign banks and fintechs an edge over Nigerian lenders, while BoI secured a $200m AfDB facility to fund SMEs and women-led businesses. Sports & Culture: Team Nigeria ended the African Athletics Championships with 12 medals, capped by women’s 4x400m relay gold; Genevieve Nnaji pushes for more Africa-wide film collaboration.

Insurance & Tech Push: Heirs Life Assurance and Heirs General Insurance made Financial Times’ Africa fastest-growing list, underscoring how Nigeria’s insurers are leaning into digital products as penetration stays low. Terror & Schools: Fresh reports say militant attacks on schools have left 80+ children missing, with abductions in Borno and Oyo raising fears of forced withdrawal and early marriages. Counterterror Milestone: Nigeria and the US continue to celebrate the killing of ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a joint operation, though analysts warn the wider threat won’t vanish without sustained pressure. Food Security Plan: Bank of Agriculture unveils moves to stabilise staple prices and protect smallholder farmers, including a Guaranteed Minimum Price mechanism. Politics & 2027: APC primaries keep showing “structure beats celebrity,” while NUJ’s ex-president warns against turning the 2027 debate into bragging. Economy & Daily Life: Rising fuel costs are pushing commuters toward cheaper transport options, while CBN CRR rules are blamed for draining bank earnings.

Counterterrorism Shock: The US and Nigeria say they killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS’s global second-in-command, in a joint Lake Chad Basin operation, with Trump calling it a major blow and Tinubu praising “effective collaboration.” Security Fallout: Hours earlier, Borno reports say Boko Haram abducted 42 schoolchildren, while Oyo saw a rare primary school attack where three gunmen were detained. Regional Push: ECOWAS Parliament moved to tackle violent extremism and terrorism through stronger intelligence sharing. Politics & Governance: Tinubu urged removal of barriers for Nigerians and welcomed Airbus’ plan for aviation maintenance and hangar facilities, while INEC officials were reportedly absent at an APC primary in Surulere. Industry & Jobs: Nigeria plans to unveil a cotton, textile and garment policy framework by July to revive the sector. Health & Society: Congo’s Ebola outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern, as traditional medicine integration gains momentum across Africa.

School Kidnapping in Borno: Suspected jihadists abducted dozens of pupils from Central Primary School in Mussa village, Askira Uba LGA, with parents putting the missing at about 35–43, as troops had just left town. Counterterror Strike: Nigeria and the US say they 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 called it effective collaboration, while AFRICOM released footage and said no US personnel were harmed. Diplomacy & Mobility: Nigeria begins a 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandans, a reciprocal move after Kagame and Tinubu’s talks. Elections Update: INEC confirms all 22 political parties submitted membership registers for the 2027 polls. Security Pressure on Government: A US congressman again urged Trump to take “forceful action” to protect Christians in Nigeria, citing alleged failures to stop attacks. Culture & Trade: India’s India-Africa Forum Summit opens in New Delhi next week, while Nigeria and China push tourism and creative-economy ties.

Counterterror Strike: US President Donald Trump says US and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, ISIS’s “second-in-command,” in a “meticulously planned” operation, calling him the “most active terrorist in the world.” Local Confirmation: President Tinubu has now confirmed the killing, saying the joint strike in the Lake Chad Basin eliminated the target and “several lieutenants,” describing it as a major blow to ISIS. Diplomatic Fallout: Trump publicly thanked Nigeria for its “partnership,” while the US-Nigeria security cooperation continues to draw attention amid Nigeria’s wider fight against ISIS-linked groups and Boko Haram. Governance & Rights: EFCC denies assault/arrest claims involving UUTH staff and orders an investigation, while civil society groups demand transparency over a DSS-SERAP judgment. Travel Deal: Nigeria begins 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandans, reciprocating Rwanda’s move. Economy Watch: S&P upgrades Nigeria’s credit rating to B from B-, citing reforms and improving fiscal outlook.

Inflation Watch: Nigeria’s headline inflation rose to 15.69% in April (from 15.38% in March), with food inflation at 16.06%—and the NBS says Enugu, Kwara and Adamawa are the worst hit. Cost of Living: With LPG stocks tight—NMDPRA puts sufficiency at just 13 days—experts warn cooking gas prices could jump toward N2,000/kg. Energy Access: At the Africa CEO Forum, Tony Attah said 100,000 Nigerians die yearly from lack of cleaner energy, pushing gas as “life.” Business & Policy: Tinubu told the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali that anyone not paying tax (and not exempted) “is not a citizen,” while the OECD pledged deeper support for Nigeria’s reforms. Downstream Oil Fight: Dangote is back in court challenging fuel import licences. Education Milestone: JAMB says Nigeria admitted over one million into tertiary institutions in a single cycle. Sports: Falconets land a tough U-20 Women’s World Cup Group F with Spain, China and New Caledonia.

APC Primaries: President Tinubu backs consensus for APC primaries, calling the May 25 presidential race a unity test and warning against “do-or-die” politics. Party Tensions: Ebonyi LP rejects alleged moves to hijack its state structure and warns against “imposition” ahead of 2027. Security Push: Nigeria seeks UN and global support for the proposed state police, arguing it will improve trust and accountability. Policing Gap: IGP Disu says 2,000 police stations are not enough for 200m Nigerians, urging 3,000 new stations. Investment Diplomacy: Tinubu uses the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali to market reforms and attract capital; IFC plans a Nigeria mission for livestock, energy and housing, while Nigeria–Germany seals a €365m partnership. Sports: Nigeria Squash Federation intensifies preparations for the World Junior Team Squash Championship in Canada. Health Watch: Africa CDC flags weak hantavirus testing capacity as the MV Hondius outbreak triggers cross-border response. Politics 2027: Atiku submits ADC presidential forms, while Amaechi vows to transform Nigeria in four years.

Human Rights Pressure: Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission has demanded a thorough probe into alleged civilian deaths from military airstrikes, after Amnesty said at least 100 people were killed in a Zamfara market attack—while the military insists there was no evidence. Court & Anti-Graft: Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman’s family says they’re worried about how his 75-year fraud conviction was handled, as the case keeps feeding political heat. Foreign Deals: Nigeria and Germany signed a €65m development cooperation framework covering agriculture, climate/energy transition, health and skills. Politics 2027: ADC’s Rotimi Amaechi and Atiku Abubakar both filed presidential nomination forms, while Tinubu projects nearly $20bn FDI in 2026—setting up a busy election narrative. Security Tech: Defence Minister Christopher Musa says Nigeria will deploy AI and anti-drone tech to modernise security. Digital Fraud Alert: Another online investment platform, “XM Future Music,” reportedly collapsed, trapping users’ funds and reigniting Ponzi-scheme fears.

Airtel Africa Power Move: Bharti Airtel is set to lift its stake in its London-listed African unit to 79% via a $2.9bn share swap, a bid to consolidate control across 14 African markets including Nigeria. Courtroom Shock: Nigeria’s Federal High Court has sentenced ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman to 75 years over ₦33.8bn hydroelectric fraud, with the judge ordering consecutive terms. Politics Ahead of 2027: A court dismissed a bid to force INEC to register the All Democratic Alliance as a political party, while Sule Lamido warns Nigeria has “lost its bearing” after decades of shifting party platforms. Nigeria–Rwanda Reset: Tinubu and Kagame agreed to revive bilateral mechanisms, consider reciprocating Rwanda’s 30-day visa-free status for Nigerians, and push trade and anti-corruption cooperation. Humanitarian Pressure: MSF warns hunger, malnutrition and disease outbreaks are worsening across Nigeria, with hundreds of thousands of children needing treatment. Sports Moment: Tobi Amusan won Nigeria’s first gold at the African Championships in Ghana, as CAF Awards return to Nigeria in October.

Court Verdict: A Nigerian court sentenced former power minister Saleh Mamman to 75 years in prison for laundering about ₦33.8bn linked to hydroelectric projects, ordering his arrest and handover to correctional authorities. Security & Crime: The Nigerian Navy recovered over 6,000 litres of PMS in Lagos after intercepting fuel smuggling along the Badagry-Ajara axis. Police Reforms: IGP Olatunji Disu met international development partners in Abuja to push police reform, stressing a modern, intelligence-led, rights-respecting force. Politics 2027: Oyo lawmakers’ ally Adebo Ogundoyin says the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) is “our new party,” while APC leaders keep selling consensus arrangements to calm primaries. Business & Economy: Dangote’s refinery is reportedly set to reduce how often fuel prices change, aiming to stabilise the downstream market. Sports & Culture: Nigeria’s CAF Awards and General Assembly are confirmed for later this year, and Facebook spotlights Nigerian and South African film talent in its “Made by Africa” campaign. Global Watch: Trump reignited debate by posting a map labelling Venezuela the “51st State,” which Venezuela rejected.

Security & Terrorism: Troops in North-East intercepted 400 Starlink devices allegedly used by Boko Haram/ISWAP, as MNJTF and Operation HADIN KAI push tighter joint operations in Maiduguri. Kidnapping & Insecurity: Atiku says the death of former lawmaker Abba Adamu in kidnappers’ custody shows Nigeria is “under siege,” while Edo police report arrest of 55 kidnappers and rescue of 58 victims. Elections 2027: INEC plans to deploy 1.4 million NYSC members for the polls; ECOWAS also reiterates focus on information integrity and deepfake-proofing ahead of voting. Politics & Parties: ADC’s Dele Momodu attacks zoning as a distraction; NDC releases 2027 form costs and primaries timetable; Atiku and ADC allege APC governors diverted FAAC funds for campaign accounts. Economy & Policy: Tinubu argues at Nairobi’s Africa Forward Summit for reform of global financial architecture and stronger African integration; Nigeria’s crude supply to Dangote and other refineries rose 103% locally in Jan–Apr. Transport & Aviation: NCAA rejects claims Air Peace abandoned passengers in London, saying they were accommodated after a bird strike. Sports: Nigeria leads the medals table at the Abuja cycling para-track championships with 9 gold.