AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy: The UK has appointed Peter Vowles as its next British High Commissioner to Nigeria, succeeding Richard Montgomery, with take-up expected in September 2026. Economy/FX: Nigeria’s naira strengthened to about N1,356/$1 at the official market as reserves rose to roughly $50.5bn and dollar pressure eased. Energy: Dangote Refinery cut petrol by N75 to N1,175/litre, while cooking gas prices remain volatile as LPG import plans grow amid shortages. Agribusiness/Industry: Africa Finance Corporation will provide $600m to Dangote’s fertiliser push to triple output in Nigeria and expand in Ethiopia. Security: Zamfara’s Bagega–Anka road was rocked by an explosion that killed several people, while Katsina ordered bans on jerrycan fuel sales and shut POS centres to curb banditry. Politics/Judiciary: Court-ordered deregistration of ADC and other parties sparked backlash from Peter Obi, Atiku and David Mark, who warned it could undermine judicial independence ahead of 2027. Education/Cyber: FG denied reports that NEMIS was hacked, saying a temporary SSL certificate issue caused the warning. Environment/Lagos: Lagos sealed 12 establishments for noise and other environmental violations. Sports/Entertainment: Headies 18th edition moves to Toronto with a Lagos-linked watch and a trade/investment summit; Edo Queens won NWFL Premiership.

Court Battle: Abuja’s National Industrial Court set Tuesday, June 16, 2026 for judgment in retired Gen. Ali-Keffi’s ₦200billion suit against the Nigerian Army over alleged unlawful detention and forced retirement. Anti-Corruption/Trial Updates: FCT High Court dismissed Sadiya Farouq’s bid to quash a bench warrant tied to EFCC charges over $1.3m and N746.7m fraud. Crime & Security: DHQ confirmed the rescue of late Gen. Rabe Abubakar’s wife from bandits after a firefight in Tunga village, while Edo Police intensified efforts to recover an abducted woman. Anti-Trafficking: Lagos police rescued a 16-year-old allegedly lured into prostitution and abuse through a trafficking syndicate. Economy: NBS said Nigeria’s inflation rose to 15.93% in May, with food and transport driving the increase. Politics: Court-ordered deregistration of ADC and other parties sparked backlash from opposition groups, with ADC and Osun’s governor calling it an abuse of process. Energy/Environment: Investigation alleges Shell’s exit from onshore assets worsened gas flaring at fields sold to Renaissance Africa. Sports: Friday Adams signed for Romanian club Cluj; Galatasaray’s president ruled out selling Victor Osimhen.

Digital Jobs & Skills: Ilorin Innovation Hub is training youths in AI, software and entrepreneurship through its “Learn to Earn” programme, aiming for participants to earn up to $2,000 monthly. Security Update: NSCDC in Ilorin arrested a 21-year-old over the alleged kidnapping and murder of a 60-year-old technician, after ransom demands and digital tracking led to the arrest. Terrorism Trials: FG has begun a new batch of mass trial of suspected terrorists in Abuja, with dozens listed for hearing as security tightens around the courts. Kidnapping Rescue: Troops in Zamfara rescued six kidnapped victims who escaped captivity after air interdiction and sustained operations. Oil & Fuel Pressure: Nigeria’s crude revenue rose to a $6.51bn windfall, but Dangote refinery pricing stayed high despite crude falling, keeping marketers worried. Politics & Democracy: Sam Amadi says many party primaries ahead of 2027 were fraudulent, fueling internal conflicts. Sports & National Mood: Peter Obi praised Davido’s “Bring Them Home” World Cup countdown stunt highlighting abducted schoolchildren, tying it to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. Finance & Credit: CRC Credit Bureau appointed Access Bank’s Femi Jaiyeola as non-executive director, expanding Nigeria’s credit infrastructure.

Security Crisis: Atiku Abubakar and Tukur Buratai condemned the death of retired Gen. Abubakar Rabe in bandits’ captivity, warning that Nigeria’s insecurity is deepening and could soon endanger ministers, senators and governors; human rights groups also renewed calls for a national emergency and stronger security architecture, including state police and better coordination. Kidnapping & Attacks: In northwest Nigeria, jihadists linked to Lakurawa reportedly killed 20 in Kebbi; in Edo, gunmen abducted a woman at Benin City’s vegetable market; and in Oyo, a fire razed vehicles and property at a mechanic workshop. Economy & Taxes: The NBS said Q1 2026 Company Income Tax hit N1.37tn; the IMF urged Nigeria to extend VAT to fuel and add telecom excises to sustain spending. Energy & Cost of Living: LPG retailers asked local producers to prioritise domestic supply as LPG prices surge. Drugs & Enforcement: NDLEA seized 1,102kg of cannabis at Lagos Alaba and arrested a Brazil-based businessman over 6.10kg cocaine hidden in shirts and towels. Politics & Democracy: Anglican bishops urged credible 2027 elections and punishment for electoral violence and corruption as Democracy Day calls for emergency action on security grew. Sports & Culture: Edo Queens won the NWFL title; Nigeria also clinched $10,000 at an ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon.

Kidnapping & Insecurity: Peter Obi called Nigeria’s security situation a “grave emergency” after the reported death of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar in kidnappers’ custody, as fresh attacks in Sokoto and Kwara left people dead and others abducted. National Security & Politics: Tinubu vowed there will be “no talks” with terrorists after Abubakar’s death, while Arewa youths urged unity and warned against politicising insecurity. Drug War: NDLEA arrested a Brazil-based businessman, Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, over 6.10kg liquid cocaine hidden in shirts and towels at Lagos airport; the agency also nabbed two disabled suspects in separate operations. Public Health: NAFDAC warned of a US recall of about 90,000 bottles of Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension due to foreign material. Energy & Infrastructure: Jigawa will deploy amphibious excavators to dredge the Hadejia River to curb flooding; Lagos communities also celebrated electricity and road upgrades. Courts & Accountability: SERAP sued NNPCL over alleged failure to account for ₦5.9bn spent on rebranding. Sports: Enugu Rangers won the NPFL title; Nigeria’s football talk also trended after Thierry Henry clarified a World Cup joke about Nigeria.

Security Crisis: Gunmen killed at least 17 farmers and wounded 13 in Zamfara’s Maradun area as attacks on farming communities keep worsening. Protests in Abuja: Angry residents shut down the Nyanya–Karu bridge for the fourth day, demanding rescue of abducted schoolchildren and chanting “Tinubu must go.” State Police Push: Nigeria’s House of Representatives passed the constitutional amendment bill to create state police, a major shift in the security architecture that has drawn both hope and backlash. Anti-Corruption: ICPC secured an arrest warrant for ex-minister Uche Nnaji over alleged certificate forgery after he refused investigation invitations. Hajj Update: NAHCON says the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia has entered its 10th day, with assurances of timely repatriation and contingency plans if airlines miss schedules. Governance Debate: UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch again blamed Nigeria’s electricity failure on “stupid public policy,” arguing oil wealth hasn’t translated into power. Sports & Culture: Folarin Balogun scored twice for the US in a World Cup debut, while Ooni of Ife mourned late Nollywood scholar Kola Oyewo.

Democracy Under Pressure: Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim condemned police teargas on Omoyele Sowore and other protesters in Abuja on June 12, warning Nigeria is sliding toward authoritarianism as citizens demand security and accountability. Protest Crackdown in Abuja: Police disrupted the march toward Eagle Square with close-range teargas, leaving Sowore struggling to breathe before protesters regrouped and continued. Insecurity Hits Daily Life: Woli Agba said kidnapping and insecurity have affected his creativity and productivity, while Defence Minister Christopher Musa (retd.) blamed local informants and community “oxygen” for sustaining banditry and terrorism. Violence in the North: Gunmen killed 17 farmers in Zamfara’s Maradun district, deepening fears for food production as attacks drive farmers away from their fields. Prisoner Transfer: Nigeria confirmed four inmates died in Ethiopia’s AbaSamuel Prison and others are critically ill, as a new prisoner transfer deal moves efforts to repatriate convicted Nigerians. Global Spotlight: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Nigerian Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa. Economy & Costs: Foreign VAT rose 83% to N830.47bn in Q1 2026, and crude oil fell to a 3-month low, raising hopes of lower petrol prices. Politics & Dissent: Peter Obi renewed his pledge to release Nnamdi Kanu if elected, while analysts and CSOs marked June 12 with warnings that Nigeria’s democracy is weakening beyond elections.

Security & Counter-Terrorism: President Tinubu says Nigeria has neutralised over 13,000 “terrorists” in the past year and claims a sharp drop in deaths since 2023, while the Defence Minister links the persistence of banditry and terrorism to local “oxygen” from people who aid, inform and supply criminals. Democracy Day Protests: On June 12, police fired teargas to disperse protesters in Abuja over insecurity and kidnappings; in Lagos, Falana, Falz and civil society groups marched demanding action and the release of abducted pupils and teachers. Insecurity on the Ground: Oyo State police arrested four suspected cult members in Ibadan. Rehabilitation Efforts: In Borno, about 720 former jihadist fighters completed a state rehabilitation programme after surrendering, including one who said a mother’s video plea helped him leave the bush. Governance & Rights: The House of Representatives passed the constitutional amendment bill to establish state police, while ILO has given Nigeria until September 2026 to respond to workers’ rights and trade union freedom concerns. Economy & Partnerships: The UK and Nigeria launched a £15m growth programme to unlock private investment and support digital reforms. Sports & Culture: Veteran actor and scholar Kola Oyewo died at 80; Nigeria’s ex-U23 striker Promise David assisted Canada’s 1-1 draw with Bosnia in a World Cup debut.

Democracy Day & Security: President Bola Tinubu used his June 12 address to claim Nigeria has “neutralised” over 13,000 terrorists in the past year, citing a shift to “precision targeting” and saying deaths linked to terror are down 81% since 2015, while also pointing to Operation Safe Corridor and a reported 124,000 fighters and dependants laying down arms. Protests in Lagos: Despite the official celebrations, Falz, Femi Falana and other #EndBadGovernance protesters marched at Ikeja Under Bridge, demanding an end to insecurity and kidnappings; clashes of words with suspected political thugs were reported as demonstrators refused to leave. Democracy debate: Tinubu urged Nigerians to keep defending democracy—“criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in the nation”—as citizens also complained that governance feels tilted toward the rich. State police push: The House of Representatives passed constitutional amendments to enable state police, a move welcomed by U.S. Congressman Riley Moore as a step to protect vulnerable communities. Court & crime: Edo State High Court in Benin City sentenced five people to death for the 2020 murder of lawyer Iyoha Osobase. Sports & culture: Nigeria Women beat Zimbabwe in Kwibuka T20; Portugal coach Roberto Martinez defended keeping Ronaldo on after Nigeria’s 2-1 loss; Lagos’ Mbari Kola arts club opened a new cultural space.

Oil Sector Accountability: Nigeria’s Senate Public Accounts Committee issued an arrest warrant for former NNPCL boss Mele Kyari over alleged ₦210trn audit discrepancies, escalating the $155bn probe into 2017–2023 records. Xenophobia & Repatriation: The FG continued evacuations from South Africa as the first batch of 258 Nigerians arrived in Lagos, with more flights expected amid reports of harassment and attacks. Security & Courts: Edo State sentenced five suspects to death by hanging over the abduction and murder of a lawyer, while a Lagos court fined 11 Indian sailors and their vessel $6m over a cocaine smuggling case. Democracy & Voting: INEC in Abuja faced public anger after late arrival and “server downtime” halted PVC registration. Gender-Based Violence: UN agencies and NHRC warned of rising GBV/IPV, citing 2,755 cases recorded in four months and calling for stronger interventions. Governance & Economy: Tinubu inaugurated the completed Federal Highway 105 in Abuja, promising to finish inherited projects; Nigeria also hit 15-month-high crude output of 1.53mbpd, surpassing its OPEC quota. Sports & Culture: Nigeria’s World Cup absence drew reactions from Peter Obi, as Portugal beat Nigeria 2-1 in a warm-up ahead of the tournament.

Xenophobia Fallout: Nigeria began evacuating citizens from South Africa after renewed xenophobic attacks, with the first batch of 262 returnees (plus officials) expected to land in Lagos on Thursday, as the Foreign Affairs ministry says reception and support are in place. Security Update: Troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded a major breakthrough in Yobe after two senior ISWAP commanders surrendered, including a bomb expert linked to vehicle-borne IEDs. Constitutional Push: The House of Representatives is set to vote on 37 landmark constitutional amendment bills covering electoral reforms, judicial changes, security, local government autonomy and fiscal accountability. Aviation Safety: NCAA grounded a private aircraft after an unauthorized departure following an emergency road landing near Asaba, saying the crew left without clearance. Economy & FX: The naira firmed at the CBN official window while a CBN survey shows business owners more optimistic, though hiring remains cautious. Sports: Portugal edged Nigeria 2-1 in the final World Cup warm-up in Leiria, with Ronaldo making his first-ever Super Eagles clash. Southeast Security: DSS and the Army foiled an ESN plot, recovering a rocket launcher and other high-calibre weapons.

School Attack in Kogi: Gunmen in military uniforms stormed a school in Iluke, Kogi, disrupting final exams and killing three people, including a vice principal, before security forces repelled the assault and killed one attacker; authorities say a mass abduction was prevented. Terror War Update: DHQ says joint Nigerian military operations with US AFRICOM killed over 200 terrorists in the North-East and eliminated high-value commanders. Aviation Safety: NCAA grounded a privately operated aircraft after an emergency landing near Asaba and an unauthorized departure back to Lagos without proper ATC notification; the incident is under investigation. Politics in Osun: Marine minister Oyetola condemned attacks on APC supporters in Osun, urging peaceful campaigns ahead of the governorship election. EFCC Court Case: EFCC told an Abuja court that ex-aviation minister Hadi Sirika allegedly presented an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft as “Nigeria Air” for a short static display in 2023. Senate Corruption Probe: Senate orders arrest of ex-NNPCL boss Mele Kyari over alleged N210tn unaccounted funds. Sports: Portugal beat Nigeria 2-1 in Leiria as Francisco Conceição scored the winner; Ronaldo missed big chances. Health & Industry: NICRAT and Innova push private-sector partnerships to cut Nigeria’s cancer burden; Nigeria also launched the EMERGE mineral exploration grant to boost solid minerals value addition. Security & Migration: Nigeria begins receiving 268 evacuees from South Africa after xenophobic attacks, with screening extended to June 14. Weather: GMet warns thunderstorms and flash-flood risk across Ghana as Nigeria/Benin rain systems move west.

Lagos Rescue & Mental Health: Marine police rescued a 23-year-old man, Joshua Babalola, after he jumped into the Lagos lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge, with officers stabilising him and urging public vigilance. Open Call for Creatives: Zeeoma opened applications for “The Open Door Lagos Edition,” offering mentoring and up to N5m seed capital for African fashion, art, home and beauty brands. Ebola Preparedness: President Tinubu approved a Presidential Task Force on Ebola readiness and released N10bn to strengthen NCDC and emergency response as cases rise in DRC and Uganda. Security & Schools: Edo shut three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo over DSS intelligence of a planned mass abduction of students. Digital Assets Law: The Senate passed the second reading of a bill to regulate virtual assets and virtual asset service providers. Economy & Food Imports: Nigeria’s food and beverage imports fell to N1.39tn in Q1 2026 as spending dropped and local sourcing improved. Sports—Super Eagles vs Portugal: Portugal coach Roberto Martinez called Nigeria a demanding opponent ahead of the friendly in Leiria, with Alex Iwobi set for a 100th cap. Politics—APC Primaries Tensions: APC members protested in Lagos demanding review of legislative primary results over alleged irregularities.

Ebola Preparedness: President Tinubu approved a presidential task force on Ebola readiness and released N10bn emergency funding to boost Nigeria Centre for Disease Control operations, including airport screening and isolation centres in Lagos and Abuja. Cholera Crisis: Borno’s cholera outbreak has killed at least 74 and infected over 7,800 since early May, overwhelming fragile health facilities and prompting treatment centre support and plans for vaccination. Security & Kidnapping: Gunmen abducted 39 people in Zamfara after a reconciliation meeting with a bandit leader turned violent; in Ogun, a kidnapping attempt at a dredging site left 5 dead (including a soldier) and 4 hostages killed. Insecurity Response: The IGP redeployed DIGs to geopolitical zones to tighten coordination against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry. Transport Tragedy: A Warri–Itakpe passenger train derailed in Delta, killing 4 and injuring 24, with investigations underway. Politics & Party Tension (Lagos): APC members stormed the Lagos State Assembly demanding removal of party chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi over alleged betrayal and marginalisation. Economy & Borrowing: The IMF warned risks in Tinubu’s plan to borrow up to $5bn via derivatives with First Abu Dhabi Bank, citing opacity and complexity. Health & Law: Police rescued an abducted woman in Ondo and arrested four suspects. Social Media Safety: TikTok says it removed over 4m videos in Nigeria in Q4 2025 and interrupted 86,000 LIVE sessions for guideline breaches.

Education Under Threat: The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) says insecurity is increasingly targeting schools, warning that banditry, kidnapping and attacks are damaging Nigeria’s education future. Kidnapping and Violence: Police in Ondo say four suspects were arrested after they abducted a woman in Owo and she was later rescued; in Abuja’s Kubwa, gunmen abducted one resident and shot another who later died. Security Debate: Rabiu Kwankwaso renewed calls for an overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, saying the country is “bleeding profusely” despite huge spending, while other voices push for state police and better coordination. Tax Policy Shift: Nigeria’s new Economic Development Tax Incentive now ties extra years of relief to 100% profit reinvestment, pushing firms to expand rather than distribute dividends. Energy and Economy: Petrol import spending plunged to N87.4bn in Q1 2026 (down 96%), as domestic refining gains momentum. Capital Markets Reform: Nigeria’s securities market begins a shorter settlement cycle (T+1), with brokers urged to adapt quickly. Lagos Environment Crackdown: LAWMA condemns attacks on its enforcement officers and vows continued action against illegal waste dumping. International Business: Ethiopia grants United Capital its first foreign investment banking licence, marking a step for Ethiopia’s capital market.

School Security in Lagos: Police in Lagos dismissed viral rumours of planned attacks on schoolchildren, saying there’s no confirmed threat, while ordering enhanced patrols around schools and key areas. Communications Sector: NCC appointed Princess Emiko as interim chair of the Digital Bridge Institute’s governing board to drive its next phase and training role. Politics & Courts: Labour Party sued INEC at the Federal High Court over alleged wrongful exclusion from the Enugu North by-election, saying it met all requirements but was blocked on the nomination portal. Security & Media: Prof Ikechukwu warned journalists against sensationalising national security issues, saying reckless reporting can demoralise troops and harm cohesion. Kidnapping in Zamfara: Bandits abducted 39 villagers during a “peace talks” meeting in Magamin Diddi, with locals fearing the number could be higher. South Africa Tensions: Nigeria postponed evacuation flights to Wednesday as screening continues, while the foreign affairs minister said Nigerians face harassment and intimidation and retaliation is “not off the table.” Anti-graft: EFCC sought to re-arraign National Assembly officials over alleged N337m fraud, as court objections stalled parts of the amended charge. Sports: Super Falcons beat Senegal 3-0 in a WAFCON build-up friendly.