AGP Executive Report

Cult Violence in Lagos: A shawarma vendor identified as Andy was shot dead in Sangotedo after masked men allegedly posed as customers and opened fire at close range, with police saying investigations are ongoing. Electricity Push in Lagos: The Lagos government unveiled a roadmap to end “blackouts” and move toward a 24-hour electricity market, targeting high grid availability, full metering, and lower losses by 2030. Customs Goes Digital: Nigeria Customs launched SCADS at Abuja airport to let inbound passengers declare baggage and commercial items electronically ahead of arrival, aiming to cut delays. Maritime Ambition: Nigeria is seeking a bigger role in West and Central African port development as federal officials back new deep-sea port approvals and upgrades. Security Update: In a fresh operation in Borno’s Metele, Nigeria and US forces killed more than 20 Islamic State militants, according to the military. Court in Focus: The jury in Diezani Alison-Madueke’s bribery trial has begun deliberations after months of proceedings.

Terror Crackdown: US and Nigerian forces launched fresh coordinated airstrikes on ISIS/ISWAP targets in Borno, killing “more than 20” militants as the hunt continues after the reported killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. Kidnapping Crisis: In Oyo State, gunmen abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, killed one teacher in captivity, and wounded security operatives during a disrupted rescue attempt. Courts & Anti-graft: EFCC secured final forfeiture of a Hawker private jet linked to Maiduguri power project fraud; a court also sustained an arrest warrant against ex-minister Sadiya Farouq over alleged $1.3m and N746.7m fraud. Detention Row: DSS allegedly took ex-Kaduna governor El-Rufai into custody despite bail/court directives, sparking claims of intimidation and court-order breaches. Politics: APC senatorial primaries produced new tickets in Lagos West (Idiat Adebule unopposed) and Delta (Ede Dafinone wins Delta Central; Ifeanyi Okowa wins Delta North). Tax Push: FG unveiled a Tax Ombud platform and introduced mandatory Tax ID for all taxpayers.

Road Safety Tragedy: A Toyota Coaster knocked down a pedestrian at Imowo on the Imowo–Ibadan Road in Ogun, killing the man and triggering heavy traffic as TRACE and police managed the scene and diversion. Politics in Lagos: Nollywood lawmaker Desmond Elliot alleges intimidation and the withdrawal of his security aides ahead of Surulere APC House of Assembly primaries, while civil society groups elsewhere urge aggrieved aspirants to use party channels or courts. Counterterrorism & Sovereignty: AFRICOM says it carried out fresh airstrikes against Islamic State in northeast Nigeria, days after the US and Nigeria jointly announced the killing of ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki; Sheikh Gumi warns that foreign military involvement could worsen insecurity. Public Health Watch: NCDC intensifies Ebola surveillance after outbreaks in Congo and Uganda, stressing Nigeria has no confirmed case. Economy & Food Prices: Food inflation has edged above headline inflation again, and Benin traders call palm oil price drops “fragile relief.” Security & Sports: Nigeria’s athletics campaign ends with 12 medals, including women’s 4x400m relay gold, as the week also highlights ongoing insecurity and missing schoolchildren.

School Security Crisis: The Senate condemned the abduction of 87 students and teachers in Borno and Oyo within 24 hours, urging lawmakers to fast-track state police as Boko Haram and other gunmen struck multiple schools. Counterterrorism: The US and Nigeria say they eliminated Abu Bilal al-Minuki, an ISIS/ISWAP senior leader, in a joint operation—while officials push back on doubts about the strike. Debt and Economy: Atiku again attacked Tinubu’s reported $1.25bn World Bank loan plan as “economic vandalism,” warning borrowing is rising without visible relief for Nigerians. Cashless Push: FirstBank and Visa launched a Naira Visa debit card to speed up everyday electronic payments. Public Health: NCDC says Nigeria has no confirmed Ebola case, but surveillance is stepped up as outbreaks spread regionally. Sports: Team Nigeria won women’s 4x400m gold at ASAC in Accra; Rosemary took silver in the women’s 200m.

US-Nigeria Counterterrorism: Trump and Tinubu confirmed the killing of ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a joint operation around the Lake Chad Basin, while Nigeria’s police also mourned 17 officers killed in a separate Yobe terrorist attack on the Army Special Forces School. School Attacks: In Borno, reports say terrorists abducted 42 schoolchildren, adding to fears of retaliation after high-profile militant strikes. Politics 2027: Lagos APC heavyweights Mudashiru Obasa and Yusuf Buhari’s son won House of Reps tickets as APC declared Rivers Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule and others winners; meanwhile, INEC officials were alleged absent at a Surulere primary. Security & Industry: Tinubu welcomed Airbus’ plan for aircraft maintenance and hangar facilities, pushing for faster delivery of ordered Apache helicopters. Labour Tension: Electricity workers accused Egbin Power of anti-labour practices and threatened industrial action. Health: WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.

APC Primaries Violence in Lagos: Lagos police have arrested 10 suspects after hoodlums stormed the APC primary in Egbe, Alimosho, shooting sporadically and robbing voters; police say no one died and a locally made gun was recovered. Building Collapse in Abuja: In Durumi 3 near Gudu Market, a three-storey building under construction collapsed, killing at least five and rescuing 10 alive as search efforts continue; officials say the developer may have compromised cement quality. ISIS Blow in Lake Chad Basin: The US and Nigeria confirmed the killing of ISIS “second-in-command” Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a joint operation, with DHQ later clarifying confusion over similar militant names and aliases. Kidnapping Fears in Borno: Suspected jihadists abducted dozens of pupils from a school in Askira Uba, with reports putting the number at 35–43, renewing alarm over attacks on education. Party Politics: Lagos APC primaries for 2027 House of Reps seats continue amid allegations of intimidation and disruptions in some centres. BBNaija Season 11: Organisers announced audition dates (May 16–20) with free registration and limited slots.

Counterterrorism Shock: President Tinubu has confirmed that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki—described by the US as ISIS’s global second-in-command—was killed in a joint Nigeria-US operation in the Lake Chad Basin, after Trump announced the strike and said it “greatly diminished” ISIS’s global operations. Kidnapping Crisis: Gunmen in Borno reportedly stormed Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba, kidnapping dozens of pupils as classes were ongoing, in a tactic that echoes past mass abductions. Economic Signal: Nigeria welcomed S&P’s upgrade of its sovereign credit rating from B- to B with a stable outlook, pointing to FX reforms, stronger fiscal performance, and improved external position. Diplomacy & Mobility: Nigeria has started implementing a 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandans across airports, land borders and seaports. Public Mood: An Anglican bishop in Lagos warned that naira weakness and insecurity are crushing everyday life, even as he urged Nigerians to stay hopeful.

Visa Deal & Diplomacy: Nigeria has fully started a 30-day visa-free entry for Rwandan nationals, reciprocating Rwanda’s earlier gesture, with implementation across airports, land borders and seaports. Lagos Crackdown: Lagos sanctioned 15 money lending firms for sharp practices and plans to automate pilgrimage registration to cut delays and improve service delivery. Politics 2027: A prophet, Joshua Iginla, warns that a divided opposition could help Tinubu win again—urging unity among PDP, ADC and NDC. Economy & Policy: The CBN FX Manual is updated for a new framework from June 1, while inflation rose to 15.69% in April as food and transport costs bite. Security & Education: Police say students are missing after armed militants attacked a school in Borno. Sports: Nigeria’s Falconets face Spain, China and New Caledonia in Group F of the U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Politics & Party Crisis: APC has postponed its House of Representatives primaries by one day, moving the exercise from Friday May 15 to Saturday May 16, as Tinubu warns against “do-or-die” infighting and candidate imposition. Security: Six students abducted from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, have regained freedom after seven days, while Nigeria seeks UN and global support for its proposed state police to boost accountability and public trust. Economy & Inflation: The CBN warns that election spending could push inflation higher, as forecasts also point to headline inflation rising again to around 16.42% amid fuel and food pressures. Infrastructure & Investment: Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule argues Nigeria has enough domestic liquidity to fund infrastructure if systems are credible, while Nigeria and Germany sign a €365m partnership for energy, agriculture, skills and private-sector growth. Energy & Governance: ECN says its DG Abdullahi has resumed after EFCC arrest, calling him its “capacity DG.” Sports: Nigeria’s Amy Okonkwo signs a developmental deal with Atlanta Dream ahead of a Sunday clash with the Las Vegas Aces.

Healthcare & Governance: Edo State graduates Cohort One and onboards Cohort Two of the National Health Fellows Programme with NHIA, aiming to strengthen primary care at the grassroots. Business & Investment Climate: EDOGIS pledges support to Edo’s Business Ministry to speed land allocation and investment facilitation under the SHINE Agenda. Public Service Reform: Edo launches a monthly Edo State Public Service Knowledge Series to drive internal learning and reform delivery. Maritime & Jobs: APM Terminals commits $600m to modernise Apapa port and expand logistics infrastructure as Tinubu pushes for faster, tech-driven port efficiency. Power & Infrastructure: TCN adds 600MW to the national grid after commissioning new 330kV transmission lines in Benin City. Security & Rights: A rights group warns of rising digital surveillance of journalists ahead of 2027, while the NHRC demands investigations into alleged recurring civilian deaths from airstrikes. Anti-fraud & Courts: EFCC arraigns a microfinance bank MD over alleged N19m and $30,000 investment fraud; a Lagos court convicts a businessman over a $247,390 scam. Economy & Media: Tinubu projects nearly $20bn FDI in 2026; NBC files an appeal after a court restrained it from sanctioning broadcasters over “personal opinions.”

Debt Pressure & Finance Overhaul: President Tinubu says Nigeria will spend about $11.6bn on debt servicing in 2026—nearly half of projected revenue—urging a global finance reset as borrowing costs “crowd out” spending. Energy & Power: REA and partners launch a $188m fund to add 191MW of distributed solar, while Nigeria posts its highest 2026 oil output (1.66m bpd liquids) despite missing OPEC quota. Digital TV Rollout: FG confirms nationwide digital switch-over on June 17, with 100+ free channels. Crime & Fraud: Police in Kano arrest a suspect over a fake ushering job scam targeting 38 female students; in Lagos, EFCC/anti-graft actions continue alongside a separate $800k/€651k airport contraband probe. Humanitarian Alarm: MSF warns hunger, disease and insecurity are worsening into a chronic crisis, with hundreds of thousands of children affected. Sports & Culture: Tobi Amusan wins Nigeria’s first gold at the African Championships in Ghana; CAF Awards return to Nigeria in October. Diplomacy: Tinubu and Kagame agree to deepen Nigeria–Rwanda ties, including considering 30-day visa-free reciprocity.

Telecom Crackdown: FG tells telecom operators to fix service quality or face sanctions, saying reforms removed excuses for poor network performance and pointing to World Bank-backed Project BRIDGE, fibre expansion and more satellite capacity. Courtroom Tension: NBA rejects a military tribunal order forcing civilian lawyers to wear wigs and gowns in an Abuja secret coup trial. High-Profile Legal Moves: An Abuja court grants substituted service on Tonto Dikeh in a ₦200m “exorcism” lawsuit; an IVF fraud case against an Abuja doctor is adjourned to June 18. Security & Crime: A student escape breaks a school kidnapping in Kebbi; in Delta/Anambra, a bishop-kidnap plot suspect is arrested and a Lagos aviation worker’s extortion case still has no arrests 21 days later. Sports & Culture: Tobi Amusan wins gold at the African Athletics Championships; Alexx Ekubo’s family confirms he died of metastatic kidney cancer. Tech & Governance: Lagos plans a cybersecurity operations centre and pushes digital TV switch-over for June 17.

Road Safety Crisis: Nigeria’s road toll keeps climbing as NBS reports 2,720 crashes in Q1 2026, with 1,347 deaths and serious crashes leading (1,761 cases). Police Shake-Up: IGP Disu orders transfer of 132 officers from Edo Command in a fresh administrative reorganisation. Lagos Traffic Scare: A speeding truck overturned at the Lagos-Abeokuta Toll Gate, spilling sachet water; no one died. Courts Clamp Down: A Lagos court remands a PoS operator over alleged N10m fraud, while Bauchi’s AG loses a bid to travel for Hajj. Politics & Primaries: NDC fixes presidential forms at N60m total and releases its 2027 timetable; Lagos APC Speaker Obasa declares for Agege Reps seat. Health & Society: FG orders temporary suspension of tertiary students who test positive for drugs. Energy Watch: LPG supply tightens in Lagos, raising fears of another cooking-gas price jump. Sports: Super Eagles Unity Cup squad includes Ikorodu City’s Arumala.

Entertainment Shock: Nollywood heartthrob Alex Ekubo, 40, has reportedly died in Lagos after a prolonged battle with cancer, with colleagues and fans flooding social media as family statements and burial plans are still pending. Anti-Graft Courtroom Drama: EFCC presented a second witness in the trial of an Austrian accused of hiding $800,000 and €651,000 at Lagos airport, while a Bauchi accountant general’s bid to travel for Hajj was rejected in his N1.6bn money laundering case. Justice in Focus: An Abuja court remanded ex-SDP chairman Shehu Gabam over alleged N740m fraud and forgery, and a court in Oyo sentenced a man to death by hanging for raping and killing a teenager. Public Health & Safety: Lagos sealed Domino’s Pizza over untreated sewage discharge, and responders contained an NNPCL gas pipeline fire in Agege with no casualties reported. Politics & Diplomacy: Speaker Tajudeen urged stronger Nigeria–Saudi ties, and Wike told professional bodies to focus on reforms, not constant criticism. Security & Society: Nigeria’s military denied Amnesty’s claim of 100 civilian deaths in a Zamfara market airstrike, while Ogun recorded a fresh kidnapping incident. Sports: Nigeria won a protest over a false start disqualification at the African Championships, and Sweden named its 26-man World Cup squad.

Markets Surge: Nigeria’s stock market jumped again, with the NGX All-Share Index rising 2.33% to keep year-to-date gains at 60.97%, as banking and industrial stocks led the green run. Fraud Crackdown: In Lagos, the Police Special Fraud Unit secured a court forfeiture order over an alleged N8.58bn fraud linked to a tech firm and other companies, targeting bank accounts and assets. Police Leadership & Courts: The IGP appointment narrative stayed in focus as courts pushed key cases forward—Jonathan’s 2027 eligibility suit was adjourned to May 15, while ex-Power minister Saleh Mamman’s bail was revoked and arrest ordered after repeated absence. Education Policy Tensions: WAEC says it has tightened computer-based WASSCE question sequencing to curb malpractice, while debates continue over English-only instruction and UTME education-student exclusions. Politics & Security: A cleric in the coup trial claimed he warned plotters their plan would fail, and Nigeria-Turkey defence cooperation is being pitched as a boost to counter-terrorism. Transport & Travel: A Delta flight bound for Lagos returned to Atlanta after about eight hours mid-air due to an operational issue, leaving passengers stranded.

Courtroom Pressure on Emefiele: An Abuja court admitted fresh exhibits in the EFCC’s naira redesign case against ex-CBN governor Godwin Emefiele, including certified newspaper reports and receipts, as the prosecution continues building its file. Justice for Sexual Violence: Nigeria’s Supreme Court upheld a 12-year jail term for a man who raped his 15-year-old house help in Abuja, a final push in the fight against SGBV. Politics—Jonathan Suit Stalls: A bid to stop ex-President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting in 2027 hit a snag as key parties failed to show up, with the court setting a new May 15 deadline. Security and Crime: Edo’s governor condemned a daylight killing at the University of Benin gate and vowed tougher action on cultism, while reports also point to deadly military and gang attacks in the northwest. Education Updates: JAMB released 2026 UTME cut-off marks and confirmed UTME exemptions for Education and Agriculture non-engineering candidates in colleges of education and polytechnics. Business Watch: 11 Plc shareholders approved a N9.50 dividend as the company charts a new growth push.