AGP Executive Report

Edo Politics & Courts: An Edo High Court in Benin City dismissed a bid to sack APC secretary Lawrence Okah after the claimant discontinued the case, awarding costs against the plaintiff. Edo Security: NSCDC deployed 1,542 personnel across Edo for Eid-el-Kabir—covering prayer grounds, markets, highways and motor parks—while warning criminals to stay away. Edo Governance: Gov. Monday Okpebholo inspected the rebuilt Oba market in Benin after a 2020 fire, promising free shop allocation for genuine traders and moving remaining traders into the completed sections. Power Infrastructure: TCN urged communities to help stop vandalism of power installations, saying residents are often the first to spot faults and that sabotage drains funds from development. Education Pressure: ASUU Benin Zone threatened industrial action over alleged non-implementation of the 2025 agreement on allowances and salaries. Maritime & Borders: Nigeria pushed ECOWAS cross-border cooperation against terror and border crimes, while the federal government approved certification steps for five deep seaports to cut the 70% cargo loss to neighbors. Culture & Heritage: The Oba of Benin asked Rotary to help repatriate about 3,000 looted artefacts held abroad.

Maritime Security Push: Nigeria’s Navy says President Tinubu will flag off the AU Combined Maritime Task Force to tackle piracy and illegal fishing across the Gulf of Guinea, alongside an international fleet review at Eko Atlantic Waterfront and the commissioning of three new vessels. University Crisis Watch: ASUU’s Benin Zone threatens to paralyse public universities, accusing the Federal Government of partial, “selective” allowance payments and failure to fully implement a 2025 agreement. Cultural Reparation Drive: The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, urges Rotary International to help return more than 3,000 looted Benin artefacts held abroad. Regional Security & Trade: Nigeria and ECOWAS deepen cross-border cooperation to fight terror and transnational crime, while port leaders warn Africa can’t grow without modern, deep-sea infrastructure. Local Order: Edo police arrest two suspected robbers after a hotel raid, and Zone 5 police leadership warns officers against extortion and human-rights abuses.

Maritime Security Push: Nigeria’s Navy says President Tinubu will flag off the AU Combined Maritime Task Force, with an international fleet review at Lagos’ Eko Atlantic and new vessels commissioned during the Navy’s 70th anniversary. Border & Terror Cooperation: Nigeria also reaffirmed ECOWAS cross-border cooperation to tackle terrorism and transboundary crime, as security agencies press harder on border alliances. University Crisis Looms: ASUU’s Benin Zone threatens to shut down public universities over alleged non-implementation and “selective” allowances under the 2025 agreement. Edo Crackdown Continues: In Edo, troops under Operation KO SALO arrested suspected kidnappers’ logistics suppliers and others in forest raids, while police rescued an abducted 57-year-old woman after a gun duel. Ports & Trade: The NPA warns Africa can’t grow with obsolete ports, as Nigeria clears deep-sea port projects for investment. Reproductive Rights Spotlight: An African forum at the ACHPR urges action on barriers to women’s sexual and reproductive health, with survivors sharing accounts from Benin and beyond.

Sunfest 2026 Lineup Drop: London’s Victoria Park will host Sunfest July 9–12, with organizers touting their biggest international lineup yet—52 acts across five stages and a target of 115,000+ attendees. Terror Alert in the South West: Yoruba leader Gani Adams warns terrorists have infiltrated at least 40 South West LGs and are planning coordinated attacks, pointing to ignored intelligence warnings since 2022. Edo Security Crackdown: Nigerian Army clearance operations in Edo have netted 12 suspected kidnappers, with arrests tied to alleged logistics support. Edo Politics Heats Up: The APC Edo South senatorial primary is already spilling into online attacks, with calls for supporters to cool off. Togo Opens Borders: Togo scraps visas for all African passport holders for up to 30 days, positioning Lomé as a regional hub. AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Set: CAF released the full qualifying fixtures; Nigeria lands in Group L with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. US Wireless Push: USTDA backs a feasibility study for about 1,500 US-made mobile base stations across Nigeria, Benin, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

Edo Security Crackdown: Nigerian Army troops in Edo have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers in clearance operations across Owan East and Esan South-East, with investigators saying some were logistics suppliers and collaborators; Anti-“Yahoo” Push in Edo: the Edo government also announced tougher, cult-style sanctions for internet fraudsters, linking cybercrime to wider violence and insecurity; US Wireless Rivalry: the US Trade and Development Agency is funding a feasibility study to deploy about 1,500 American-made mobile base stations across Nigeria, Benin, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire—positioned as an alternative to Chinese telecom dominance; Port and Trade Moves: Nigeria cleared five deep-sea port projects for investment to help reclaim 70% of cargo traffic, while Togo and Benin are running PRIMA training to cut cross-border farm trade barriers; Diplomacy & Mobility: Haiti’s embassy reopened in Benin, and Togo expanded visa-free entry for African passport holders; Sports: CAF released the full 2027 AFCON qualifiers schedule, with Nigeria drawn in Group L against Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Edo Crackdown & Rescue: Edo State police and local hunters rescued a 57-year-old woman abducted on May 16 after a gun duel in the bush, while the Edo government also launched an all-out offensive against “Yahoo Boys,” warning internet fraudsters will face cult-style sanctions. Flood Disruptions: Heavy rain continues to cripple movement and business in Edo, with flooding submerging roads and stranding commuters after bridge failures elsewhere. Regional Diplomacy: Cambodia’s Hun Sen invited Benin’s president to visit Cambodia during the Francophonie Summit, signaling fresh momentum in Benin–Cambodia ties. US–West Africa Telecom Push: The US Trade and Development Agency is funding a feasibility study to deploy about 1,500 wireless base stations across Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire to challenge China’s telecom dominance. Mobility Shock in Togo: After a public embarrassment at a business forum, Togo moved fast to grant visa-free entry to African nationals for up to 30 days. Security Context: Nigeria’s troop deployment to Benin is being framed as “defending democracy,” even as critics point to Nigeria’s own security failures at home.

AFCON 2027 Draw: CAF’s Cairo ceremony set Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Group L with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with only one spot up for grabs behind co-host Tanzania; qualifiers run across FIFA windows from Sept 21 to Oct 6, then Nov 9–17, and finally Mar 22–30, 2027. Togo Mobility Push: Togo moved fast on regional integration—visa-free entry for all African nationals with valid passports for up to 30 days, plus a separate announcement of visa-free access for AU citizens—while also launching its 31st Tour Cycliste International and pitching it for the UCI calendar. Oyo School Kidnapping: In Oyo State, outrage continues after bandits attacked three schools in Oriire, abducting pupils and teachers and killing one educator; Gov. Seyi Makinde says the state won’t “surrender to terror,” but is ready to engage abductors, and says new surveillance aircraft should be operational by end-June. Edo Drug Crackdown: NDLEA in Edo destroyed two cannabis plantations (about 1.39 tonnes) and arrested four suspected traffickers. Court Update: Nigeria’s FCT High Court sustained an arrest warrant against former humanitarian minister Sadiya Farouq in an alleged $1.3m and N746.7m fraud case.

Oyo Kidnapping Shock: Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde says the Oriire school attack is “fluid and difficult” after a teacher was beheaded; he confirms 7 students taken from Community Secondary School and 18 children plus 7 teachers from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School, while rescue operations continue and the state says it will listen to abductors’ demands but “will never surrender to terrorism.” Federal Response: President Tinubu calls the killing barbaric and says security forces are working “round the clock” to arrest the bandits and rescue victims. Regional Security Push: Nigeria’s Army Chief Waidi Shaibu says troops have been deployed to Benin Republic under operations aimed at defending democracy and tackling terrorism and cross-border crime. Drugs Crackdown (Edo): NDLEA destroyed two cannabis plantations in Ago Forest (about 1,388kg) and arrested four suspects in separate raids. Border Governance: Nigeria’s National Boundary Commission urges clearer border demarcation to boost peace and integration along the Nigeria–Benin and Benin–Togo frontiers. Infrastructure Stress (Kwara): Flooding submerged the collapsed Moro Bridge, stranding commuters and worsening an already broken transport link.

Edo Politics: Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama has won the APC Edo South senatorial primary, beating Senator Neda Imasuen and former candidate Osagie Ize-Iyamu—setting up a fresh intra-party fight ahead of 2027. Security Crackdown (Edo): NDLEA says it arrested four suspected drug traffickers in Benin City and destroyed two cannabis farms in Ago Forest, while separate reports highlight ongoing raids and arrests tied to cult and kidnapping cases. Counterterror Ops (Nigeria/US): Joint US and Nigerian strikes in Borno reportedly killed 20+ ISWAP militants after a top commander’s death, with officials stressing no harm to personnel. Regional Security Narrative (Sahel): A new security map argues the AES project has failed “systematically,” with Burkina Faso singled out as the worst-hit. Transport Shock (Kwara): Flooding submerged the collapsed Moro Bridge, trapping commuters and exposing how slow repairs deepen economic pain. AFCON Build-up: Ghana and Zambia have been placed in Pot 2 for the 2027 qualifiers draw, while Edo’s football scene keeps moving with President Federation Cup fixtures.

Market Watch: Palm oil prices in Benin City have slid to about ₦1,200–₦1,300 per litre from ₦1,500–₦1,600, but traders and residents call it “fragile relief” as supply swings, transport costs and inflation could push prices back up. Sports & Seeding: Ghana and Cape Verde qualified for the 2026 World Cup, yet both miss out on top seeds for the 2027 AFCON qualifying draw in Cairo—an early warning sign after poor 2025 AFCON form. Youth & Urban Governance: Young people are using civic media, WhatsApp and neighbourhood meetings to push housing and inclusion agendas from informal settlements. Edo Politics & Public Safety: APC has issued House of Reps primary certificates in Edo, while residents in Ubiaja are demanding stronger fire service coverage after a damaging blaze exposed gaps in emergency response. Security & Justice: A truck crash killed motorcyclists in Edo, and EFCC faced backlash after alleged attacks on medical workers at Uyo Teaching Hospital.

Edo Safety Push After Tragedy: Residents in Ubiaja are demanding the Edo government fix fire-service coverage after a Saturday night blaze left them fighting flames with crude methods, with claims the local fire truck was found “loaned” to the Benin Airport fire station. Road Deaths: In the same state, a truck driver at Idogbo crushed two motorcyclists to death; the driver has been arrested. Security Escalation: Nigeria and the US say they jointly killed an ISIS senior commander in Sokoto, as Washington signals a tougher counterterror posture in West Africa. Digital Identity for the Vulnerable: At ID4Africa in Abidjan, officials urged faster legal and digital ID inclusion for refugees and stateless people, warning that weak safeguards can break public trust. Edo Power Upgrade: TCN inaugurated new 330kV transmission lines in Edo to strengthen bulk electricity evacuation. Regional Mobility: Nigeria grants Rwandans visa-free entry for up to 30 days under a new bilateral deal.

Cannes Shock for Africa: African-made films are missing from this year’s Palme d’Or contenders, reigniting complaints that Cannes is still tilted toward Europe and the West—though African titles do show up in other sections like Un Certain Regard. Digital Identity Push: At ID4Africa in Abidjan, officials and the World Bank urged faster, safer legal and digital identity for refugees and stateless people, warning that weak safeguards can destroy public trust. Nigeria Security Tensions: A US lawmaker demanded “forceful action” to protect Christians in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, while Trump also announced a US-Nigeria strike in Sokoto that killed a senior ISIS commander. EFCC Backlash: Nigeria’s anti-graft agency says it will investigate after reports of operatives attacking medical workers at Uyo Teaching Hospital. Edo Power & Policing: Edo got a new 330kV transmission line project, and Governor Okpebholo pledged tighter security collaboration with the newly appointed IGP. West Africa Trade Shift: Hormuz disruption is rerouting shipping, boosting West Africa’s role in refueling and repairs.

Cannes Spotlight: African cinema is missing from this year’s Palme d’Or contenders, with critics pointing to a festival tilt toward European and Western productions—though African titles still show up in other Cannes sections. Security Shock: In Nigeria’s northeast, gunmen stormed schools in Borno and abducted 50+ children, including toddlers, as parents watched helplessly. Counterterror Escalation: The US and Nigeria jointly struck in Sokoto, with Trump announcing the killing of a senior ISIS commander. EFCC Backlash: The EFCC has “bowed” to calls for investigations after alleged assaults on medical workers at Uyo Teaching Hospital, following public outrage over raid-style operations. Trade Routes Shift: With Hormuz disruptions reshaping shipping, maritime firms are expanding along West Africa’s coast for refuelling and repairs. Edo Governance: Edo’s new IGP, Olatunji Disu, met Governor Okpebholo for stronger security collaboration, while the state keeps pushing infrastructure and public-service reforms.

Clean Mobility Push: At WAAS 2026 in Lagos, stakeholders say CNG and EV adoption is stuck on five fronts: weak financing, inconsistent policy, too few skilled technicians, poor infrastructure, and high upfront costs. Judicial & Rights Tension: In Delta, human rights activist Efemena Umukoro praised the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku after Wong Box was detained by the Federal High Court over cyberstalking and related charges—sparking fresh debate on online activism and due process. Security Clampdowns (Kano): Kano police intercepted a stolen vehicle in Takai and arrested the suspect, while also busting a drug syndicate in Dawakin Tofa, recovering 879 cannabis parcels. Anti-graft Backlash (Akwa Ibom): EFCC “bowed” to calls for investigation after allegations of rights abuses during a hospital raid at UNIUYO Teaching Hospital. Trade & Power Moves: Nigeria announced a 1,000km road linking Sokoto-Badagry to connect Benin and Ghana, and TCN inaugurated a 330kV transmission line project in Edo to ease power bottlenecks. West Africa Shipping: Maritime firms are expanding in the region as trade reroutes around the Cape of Good Hope, boosting bunkering and repair demand.

Power Upgrade in Edo: TCN has inaugurated a 330kV turn-in-turn-out transmission line project linking Ihovbor/Benin and Ihovbor/Ajaokuta routes, aimed at easing bottlenecks and improving bulk electricity evacuation across the Benin corridor. Anti-Drug Push: NDLEA Edo trained NYSC Drug Free Club members as “train-the-trainer” anti-drug abuse advocates in Benin City, betting on youth-led community sensitisation. Border Stories, Old Wounds: Dele Momodu revisited his Sani Abacha-era exile, describing a foot crossing at Seme into Cotonou and the fear that followed. Cyberbullying Court Drama: Rights activist Efemena Umukoro backed the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku as Wong Box remains in federal custody over cyberstalking and related charges. Security Snapshots: Kano police intercepted a stolen vehicle and arrested a suspect, while Edo’s broader crackdown on cultism and kidnapping continues to dominate recent policing headlines. Education Pressure: NUT opposed a UTME waiver for NCE candidates, warning it could weaken teacher-training standards.

Education: Nigeria’s NUT is pushing back hard on the Federal Government’s UTME waiver plan for NCE applicants, warning it could dilute teacher-training standards by removing a key testing route. Labour & Justice: In Abia, JUSUN suspended its 63-day strike after signing an MoU with the state government—an immediate pause, not a full reset. Edo Governance: Edo is rolling out reforms on multiple fronts: EDOGIS pledges support for investment and land allocation, the state launches a Public Service Knowledge Series to keep civil service changes internal, and NHIA graduates new health fellows to strengthen primary care. Higher Education Funding: UNIBEN unveiled a N100bn trust development fund aimed at fixing infrastructure and making the university more financially self-sustaining. Public Health & Security: Rotary says it has spent $3bn on polio since 1985 and targets full eradication by 2029, while Edo continues anti-crime and health-program deployments. Court Watch: A Lagos court rejected a bid to stop prosecution in an alleged N1.9bn MTN airtime fraud case, keeping the case moving.