AGP Executive Report

Russia-Sahel diplomacy: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Niamey for his first visit to Niger, holding talks with President Abdourahamane Tchiani and meeting Sahel foreign ministers on security and counterterrorism, while also delivering Putin’s invitation for Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to attend the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow. Sahel security cooperation: Lavrov said Russia and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) will discuss ways to support “reliable security” and monitor threats, as the bloc pushes back against alleged external backing for militants. Regional security funding: Niger’s neighbors in Nigeria’s north launched a Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, appointing Gen. Martin Luther Agwai and former Defence Minister Mahmud Yayale Ahmed as co-chairmen. Niger incident: An IED blast in Niger State’s Borgu LGA reportedly killed a captain and two soldiers during a routine patrol. Religious persecution watch: A new global report flags rising religious nationalism and state control of religious groups, including in parts of the Global South. Telecom investment: Airtel Africa secured a $150m IFC loan for network modernization across multiple African markets, including Niger.

ECOWAS Development Finance: EBID approved over $417mn for West Africa projects, including a $260mn Trans-Saharan Highway segment in Nigeria, as it plans to double its balance sheet to close a $36bn infrastructure gap. Power Payments: Nigeria’s NERC says Togo, Benin and Niger owe $12.66mn for electricity supplied in Q1 2026, with low remittance performance for international customers. PDP Court Battle: Nigeria’s Federal High Court reserved judgment in a PDP leadership dispute, with Justice Salim Ibrahim adjourning to July 10 on which faction is “authentic,” while an ADC deregistration appeal is set for July 14. Sahel Security & Russia Ties: Russia’s Lavrov is set to travel to Niger for a Russia–AES ministerial meeting, as Mali shows expanded Russian-linked airborne training and Russia continues arms support narratives. Niger State Curfew: Niger State imposed a curfew in Rafi LGA after renewed Kamuku–Fulani clashes tied to a farming dispute, with dialogue and security deployments ordered. Oriire Kidnapping Pressure: Security agencies say they’ve identified and traced associates of abductors of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers in Oyo’s Oriire, raising hopes for releases. Niger Politics: Niger Christian groups urged Governor Umar Bago to pick a Christian running mate for 2027, rejecting a Muslim–Muslim ticket.

Sahel Security & Diplomacy: Russia’s Lavrov is set to travel to Niger for a Russia–Alliance of Sahel States ministerial meeting, as Moscow deepens its military footprint in Mali with airborne training and arms flows. Niger Local Security: Niger’s government imposed a curfew in Rafi LGA after renewed Kamuku–Fulani clashes tied to a farming dispute, with authorities urging calm and dialogue. Terrorism Watch: Morocco says it arrested 10 suspects linked to an IS-linked Sahel cell, seizing bomb-making materials and plans for attacks. Politics in Niger’s Orbit: Niger’s Christian stakeholders are urging Governor Umaru Bago to pick a Christian running mate for 2027, while Nigeria’s PDP leadership fight heads to a reserved judgment. Regional Integration: The AU renewed calls for deeper African integration on Africa Integration Day in Niamey, stressing AfCFTA’s promise despite low intra-trade. Economy & Energy Links: Niger’s industrial ambitions and regional power debts remain in focus, including electricity payment shortfalls involving Niger.

Curfew in Niger: Niger State Governor Umaru Bago imposed a curfew on communities in Rafi LGA after renewed Kamuku–Fulani clashes, directing security agencies to deploy assets, set up a Peace and Reconciliation Committee, and curb inflammatory social media posts. Sahel security pressure: Mali faced coordinated insurgent attacks across multiple towns, with the army saying forces repelled assaults and killed dozens, while separatist and jihadist groups claimed involvement. AES pushback: Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré marked the second anniversary of the AES, calling for closer Burkina Faso–Mali–Niger cooperation and warning of an “economic and media war” aimed at blocking the confederation. ICC exit fallout: The EU regretted Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger starting withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, a move rights groups say risks impunity. Regional finance fight: GIABA launched its 2025 annual report in Dakar, urging stronger ECOWAS cooperation against money laundering, terrorist financing, cybercrime and illicit flows. Local education hit in Niger: In Borgu, Niger State, terrorists reportedly burned five primary schools, deepening an education crisis tied to insecurity and displacement.

Sahel Security: Morocco says it arrested 10 people linked to an ISIL affiliate in the Sahel, seizing bomb-making instructions, chemicals and a car allegedly modified for a suicide or ramming attack. Justice & Rights: The EU regrets Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger starting withdrawal from the ICC, while Amnesty warns the move “enshrines impunity” for war crimes. Regional Crime Watch: GIABA launched its 2025 annual report in Dakar, urging ECOWAS states to keep strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing as cybercrime and illicit flows grow. Mali Front: Insurgents launched coordinated attacks on multiple army positions across Mali; the army says it repelled them and claims militants were killed. Niger State Impact: In Niger State’s Borgu, youth leaders and residents warn insecurity is pushing communities toward extinction, with schools burned and families displaced. Local Economy: Niger State cooperative societies report empowering thousands with loans and support for farming and small business.

Mali Security: Insurgents staged coordinated attacks across five Mali towns (Aguelhoc, Anefis, Gao, Sevaré and Kenieroba), with Tuareg-led FLA and the al-Qaeda-linked JNIM claiming roles; Mali’s army says it repelled assaults and claims dozens of “terrorists” killed, but the wide spread shows the junta’s security strain. Niger State Education Under Fire: In Borgu (Niger State), terrorists burnt five primary schools in Dekara, forcing closures and deepening a schooling crisis tied to years of attacks and kidnappings. Nigeria–Niger Focus on Insecurity: Youth leaders in Borgu say the kingdom is being neglected as attacks, displacement and farm shutdowns continue, urging urgent action from Tinubu, Governor Bago and security agencies. Sahel Justice Row: Amnesty International warns that Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger’s ICC withdrawal risks entrenching impunity and denying victims justice. Local Livelihoods: Niger State reports 3,000 cooperative societies empowering members with loans and farming/business support. Infrastructure & Security Narrative: Nigeria’s Works Minister David Umahi defends road rehabilitation as a tool to fight insecurity and boost military operations and trade.

Mali Security Shock: Jihadists and Tuareg separatists launched renewed coordinated attacks across Mali, hitting army positions in Anefis, Aguelhoc, Gao, Sevare and Kenieroba, with the army saying the situation is “totally under control” while rebels claim responsibility. Niger School Insecurity: A principal in Niger State says terrorists warned communities to shut down Western education, leading to school closures since 2021 and more burnings of primary schools last month. Oyo Kidnapping Update: Nigeria’s Army Chief says troops are making “tremendous progress” to rescue 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State on May 15. Borno Road Reconnects Trade: Nigeria flagged off rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala roads in Borno to reopen trade corridors, boost agriculture and improve security access. Power Debt Watch: Nigeria’s electricity debt to Benin, Togo and Niger stands at about N17.45bn after low remittance performance in Q1 2026. Rural Niger Still Dominant: A new map shows Niger remains among the most rural countries, with 82.77% of its population living in rural areas.

Kidnapping Update (Oyo State): Nigeria’s Army Chief, Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says troops are making “tremendous progress” in the rescue of 39 abducted pupils and seven teachers taken from schools in Orire LGA on May 15, after Oyo State denied reports that ransom had been paid. Sahel Security (Mali): Reuters reports coordinated attacks by jihadists and Tuareg separatists across Mali, hitting towns including Gao, Anefis, Aguelhoc, Sevare and a prison near Bamako, with the Malian army saying the situation is under control. Lake Chad Crisis (UNHCR): UNHCR warns the Lake Chad Basin is nearing a tipping point, citing 1,800 security incidents and 5,700 deaths between Sept 2025 and May 2026, with displacement spreading across Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria. Infrastructure for Security (Borno): Vice President Kashim Shettima flagged off rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala roads, saying the corridors will reopen trade routes and improve security access. Governance & Rights (Niger/LGBTQ+): Reports say Niger has arrested dozens under expanded anti-LGBTQ+ measures, as rights groups warn of a widening crackdown.

Lake Chad Crisis: UNHCR warns the Lake Chad Basin is nearing a dangerous tipping point as violence and displacement surge, citing nearly 1,800 security incidents and over 5,700 deaths between Sept 2025 and May 2026, with insecurity spreading across Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon. Sahel Security: Mali faces another escalation as jihadists and Tuareg separatists launch coordinated attacks across towns including Gao, Anefis, Aguelhok, Sevare and near Bamako, with the army saying the situation is “under control.” Niger-Linked Rights Alarm: Amnesty International says Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger’s formal move to withdraw from the ICC will deny victims truth, justice and reparations, warning it could entrench impunity. Humanitarian Funding Gap: NRC flags severe global aid shortfalls, listing Niger among the least-funded humanitarian responses. Regional Infrastructure & Trade: Nigeria flags off major road rehabilitation in Borno to reopen trade corridors and improve security access—an important lifeline for cross-border movement in the wider region. Politics in Niger State (Nigeria): APC chieftain Jonathan Vatsa urges Governor Mohammed Bago to pick a Christian deputy ahead of 2027, citing Christian marginalization concerns.

Mali Security: Jihadists and Tuareg separatists hit Mali again with coordinated attacks across five towns, including Anefis and Aguelhok in the north, Gao and Sevare in central areas, plus Kenieroba near the capital; the army says the situation is being monitored. Sahel Humanitarian Crisis: UNHCR warns the Lake Chad Basin is worsening fast, with nearly 1,800 attacks killing 5,700 people in nine months, driving more displacement across Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. ICC Exit Shock: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have formally started the one-year process to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, deepening the Sahel’s break with Western institutions and raising fears for victims’ access to justice. Hidden Hunger: A new spotlight on “hidden hunger” says millions of children across Africa eat enough to avoid famine but still lack key vitamins and minerals, hurting learning and long-term productivity. Niger Focus: Niger is also in the spotlight for rising anti-LGBTQ crackdowns and child exploitation concerns, as rights groups warn of a widening “witch-hunt” climate.

Sahel Security: Nigeria is creating a new tri-border military sector with Benin and Niger to stop jihadist infiltration, with Defence Minister Christopher Musa saying the plan is “a work in progress” as Al-Qaeda-linked JNIM seeks routes via Benin. ICC Fallout: The ICC confirmed Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have started the one-year process to withdraw from the Rome Statute, with the court warning the move could weaken the fight against impunity. Lake Chad Cooperation: Nigeria’s defence chief says US troop “withdrawals” from the Lake Chad Basin are only short-term reinforcements, while intelligence and joint counter-terror work continues. Human Rights Pressure: A Niger child-rights agency head warns of rising child exploitation, including sexual abuse and child labour, citing limited vehicles for field work. Local Violence: Police report 18 deaths in Niger State after a land-dispute clash between farmers and herders escalated into reprisal attacks. Regional Politics: ECOWAS leaders are urged to shift from consuming to producing as Tinubu inaugurates the bloc’s new headquarters in Abuja.

ICC Exit in the Sahel: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have officially started the year-long process to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, deepening their break with Western-backed justice and raising warnings that victims may lose access to truth, justice and reparations. Sahel Security Push: Nigeria says it is expanding military cooperation with Benin and Niger, creating a tri-border sector to stop jihadists moving through the region. Niger State Violence: In Nigeria’s north-central Niger State, a land-dispute clash in Rafi LGA left at least 18 dead after shootings, reprisal attacks and a house fire, with police deploying forces and a reconciliation committee. Niger Child Protection: Niger’s Child Rights Protection Agency warns of rising child exploitation, including sexual abuse and child labour, citing daily cases and limited field vehicles. Niger Solar Deal: Niger State handed 500 hectares to Abuja Steel Mills/AIG for a solar farm and industrial park to boost jobs and investment. Anti-LGBTQ Crackdown: Niger has arrested at least 16 people under its new anti-LGBTQ law, with rights groups calling it a “witch-hunt.”

ICC Withdrawal Process: The ICC says Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have started a year-long process to withdraw from the Rome Statute, warning it could weaken efforts to end impunity. LGBTQ Crackdown in Niger: Niger’s new anti-LGBTQ penal code is already being enforced, with at least 16 arrests and reports of a “witch-hunt,” including detentions of senior officials and disruption to HIV services. Communal Violence in Niger State: In Nigeria’s north-central Niger State, clashes tied to a long-running land dispute in Rafi LGA have killed at least 18, including 15 burned to death, as patrols and reconciliation talks continue. Safe School Pressure: Gunmen in Nigeria’s northeast abducted at least 36 students during final exams, renewing fears for school security. Terror Trial Claims (Nigeria): Nigeria’s ONSA says its Mass Trial Programme has secured 1,721 terrorism convictions since 2017. Women’s Policy Push (Nigeria): Federal and North-Central officials are harmonising memoranda ahead of the national council on women affairs, focusing on gender, child rights and vulnerable groups.

Niger Security & Justice: Police in Niger State confirmed 18 deaths after a land dispute escalated in Rafi LGA, including reports of 15 people burnt to death in a home, as vigilantes and armed attackers traded blows. Sahel Human Rights: The ICC said it is “concerned” after Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger withdrew from the court, warning the move weakens the fight against impunity. LGBTQ+ Crackdown in Niger: Reports say Niger’s new penal code is driving a “witch-hunt,” with dozens arrested and HIV services warning people are going into hiding and losing access to condoms, testing and PrEP. Regional Security Politics: A security analyst urged Ghana to lead a new West Africa security reset as the Alliance of Sahel States reshapes regional cooperation. Economy & Investment (Niger-related): Maryam Abacha American University of Niger (MAAUN Niger) topped Niger’s 2026 THE Impact Rankings, boosting the country’s higher-education profile.

LGBTQ+ Crackdown in Niger: Niger has arrested at least 16 people after introducing prison terms and fines for same-sex sexual acts, with Reuters citing a judicial source and an official gazette dated March 27. International Justice Pressure: The ICC says Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger’s withdrawals undermine the global pursuit of justice, warning it weakens efforts to end impunity. Sahel Security Reset: Ghana’s security analyst Prof. Kwesi Aning says Ghana is positioned to lead a new West Africa security reconfiguration as the AES reshapes the region’s threat landscape. Humanitarian/Child Focus: UNICEF has started state-level consultations in Nigeria to set priorities for children’s welfare across Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa and Kwara. Terror and School Abductions (Nigeria): Reuters reports at least 36 children and a staff member missing after a school kidnapping in Nigeria’s northeast, the third mass abduction since May.

APC Candidate Shake-Up: Nigeria’s APC has dropped former Benue governor Gabriel Suswam and five other senatorial candidates, also removing Gbenga Elegbeleye, and replaced 26 aspirants in a revised list sent to INEC—changes tied to the party’s Primary Election Appeal Committee, affecting constituencies across states including Niger. Campus Security in Niger State: Students at FUT Minna blocked the campus gate over insecurity and robbery attacks, disrupting tests for 100 and 300 level students until the vice chancellor arrived. Niger’s ICC Exit: Niger has begun the process to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, accusing it of “selective justice,” with the move set to take effect after a year. Sahel Violence Update: An airstrike near Mali’s border with Niger killed eight civilians, as regional jihadist attacks and counter-operations intensify. PDP Court Battle: A Federal High Court in Abuja set July 7 for hearings in the PDP leadership dispute, where Wabara’s BoT is pushing INEC to recognize the Turaki-led interim NWC. Flood Watch: NEMA warned five Kwara LGAs—Edu, Baruten, Kaiama, Moro and Patigi—face high flood risk amid heavy rains.