AGP Executive Report

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.

France–Africa Summit Fallout: Nairobi’s two-day Africa Forward Summit wrapped with a Nairobi Declaration pushing Africa’s borrowing costs onto the G7 agenda, as UN chief Guterres warned the continent pays roughly double the rates of rich economies—while Macron also framed France’s “reset” as investment and security partnership, drawing fresh backlash and arrests tied to a Pan-African counter-summit. Sahel Security & Rights: In Mali, overnight airstrikes hit Kidal as jihadist and Tuareg offensives reshape control, and the UN flags a widening humanitarian emergency; meanwhile in Nigeria, the NHRC is demanding answers from the NAF over recurring market airstrike civilian deaths claims in Yobe, Niger and Zamfara. Niger State Politics & Accountability: Niger’s governor says elective positions will be zoned via a gazette to rotate power; but separate reporting alleges Niger State claimed N1.5bn for the Suleja Market Road that was never built. Economy Under Pressure: Southwest Nigeria is branded the epicentre of Africa’s counterfeit consumer economy, while Niger’s Etsu Nupe Foundation says it delivered free cataract care to 600 indigents. Regional Climate Action: Young advocates in the Lake Chad Basin are rolling out adaptation projects as the lake shrinks further.

Nigeria–Chad Airstrike Fallout: The UN’s human rights chief Volker Turk is demanding independent probes after reports that Nigerian and Chadian air strikes killed at least 100 civilians in Zamfara and dozens of fishermen in the shared Lake Chad region—while Nigeria’s Defence HQ denies civilian deaths. Yobe Security Push: Yobe State has recruited 1,886 forest guards for border communities to plug gaps in anti-terror operations alongside Operation Hadin Kai. Niger–France Rift: As Niger keeps tightening its media squeeze, the wider Sahel debate over France’s role keeps flaring—meanwhile France is trying to reset ties through big promises at its Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi. Africa–France Summit: Macron and Ruto closed the two-day talks with a Nairobi Declaration urging G7 action on Africa’s borrowing costs, as Macron pledged €23bn in investment. Energy & Finance: Nigeria’s REA and partners launched a $188m green finance facility to back 191MW of distributed solar. Culture & Politics: Tuareg band Tamikrest releases Assikel, blending desert blues with a political message from “Azawad.” Legal Watch: French prosecutors again seek a seven-year prison term for Nicolas Sarkozy in the Libya campaign funding case.

France-Africa Reset: Macron’s Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi wrapped with a €23bn (US$27bn) investment pledge, with Kenya’s Ruto repeating “sovereignty” and insisting deals must be “win-win” rather than dependency—while critics in France and across Africa question whether it’s a real break from the old Françafrique playbook. West Africa Security: ECOWAS MPs in Abuja debated a “Compact of the Future of Regional Integration,” pushing a shift toward an “ECOWAS of the Peoples” and faster security coordination, as the bloc moves toward a regional counterterror force. Rights Under Fire: The UN urged independent probes after reports of deadly Nigerian and Chadian airstrikes in Nigeria, including a market attack in Zamfara. Sahel Politics: Burkina Faso’s parliament adopted new protocols to deepen the Alliance of Sahel States. Niger State Politics: ADC governorship aspirant Mohammed Kpautagi picked nomination forms, promising action on insecurity and water scarcity. Libya Case: In France, prosecutors again sought a 7-year prison term for ex-President Sarkozy over alleged Gaddafi-linked campaign funding.

France-Africa Reset: Macron’s Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi wrapped with a fresh €23bn ($27bn) investment pitch, promising “sovereign equality” and co-investment across energy, AI and agriculture—while Kenya’s Ruto repeated “sovereignty” eight times and France tried to move beyond its colonial-era Francafrique image. Niger Media Crackdown: Niger’s ONC has suspended nine international outlets, drawing sharp condemnation from press-freedom groups as the military government tightens control of foreign reporting. Sahel Security: On Lake Chad, Boko Haram reportedly fled islands after Chadian airstrikes and ground assaults backed by Nigeria and Niger, with fishermen among the casualties. Hajj Logistics (Nigeria): NAHCON says Saudi Arabia licensed its clinics and medical outposts for the 2026 Hajj, while Flynas airlifted about half of Nigeria’s pilgrims to Madinah. Local Governance (Nigeria): In Niger State, Dangote’s rice push is partnering with the government, while separate reports flag alleged quality concerns over a newly built Mokwa culvert.

France–Africa Reset in Nairobi: Macron and Kenya’s Ruto are pushing a new “Africa Forward” partnership in Nairobi, pitching €23bn in investments and repeating sovereignty and co-investment as the summit’s core message—while critics say it’s a polished rerun of old influence. Sahel Backdrop: The absence of key Sahel states under tense ties with Paris underlines how France’s leverage keeps shrinking as security partnerships shift. Hajj 2026 Logistics (Nigeria–Saudi): NAHCON says Saudi Arabia has licensed its Hajj clinics, and Niger State has already airlifted its first 345 pilgrims to Madinah via Flynas. Niger State Security Claims: Nigeria’s DHQ rejects civilian-casualty reports from Shiroro airstrikes, saying 70 bandits were killed. Human Cost in Nigeria: Amnesty reports at least 72 killed after a military strike hit the Tumfa market in Zamfara. Politics (Nigeria): PDP chieftain backs Oyo’s Makinde as a potential 2027 presidential candidate; Edo’s Okpebholo congratulates Afekhide Omoti on becoming NMA president.

France–Africa Reset in Nairobi: Emmanuel Macron is in Kenya for the two-day “Africa Forward Summit,” pitching a new, less colonial relationship and pushing €23bn in investment—while also snapping at summit youth over noise and insisting Europe should back Africa’s sovereignty through jobs and deals, not lectures. Regional Security Pressure: Nigeria’s security debate keeps heating up as analysts warn the country needs deeper regional cooperation across the Sahel, even as reports of deadly airstrikes in Niger State trigger denials from DHQ and fresh scrutiny over civilian harm. Sahel Terror Fallout: Mali remains in the spotlight after coordinated late-April offensives by JNIM and allied forces, with analysts arguing counterterrorism alone isn’t enough. Niger Press Freedom Crackdown: Niger’s junta has suspended nine major French media outlets, drawing condemnation from rights groups. Education Strike Watch: ASUU threatens another strike over “distorted” implementation of the 2025 agreement. Human Stories: Anti-West activist Kemi Seba tells a South African court he fears death if sent back to Benin.