AGP Executive Report

Immigration Crackdown in Enugu: Nigeria Immigration’s Enugu command is in turmoil after allegations of passport extortion and sabotage of federal centralisation reforms, with an exclusive posting order pointing to the mass transfer of 50+ Enugu-origin officers. Edo Security for Eid: Edo NSCDC has deployed 1,542 personnel across the state for Eid-el-Kabir, with patrols and surveillance at prayer grounds, markets and highways. Oba Market Rebuild Gets a Win: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo personally inspected the reconstructed Oba Market in Benin City—traders say the long-delayed promise is finally landing. Power Metering Pressure: NERC reports 5.1 million customers (41%) still lack prepaid meters, keeping many on estimated billing. Sports & Culture: NPFL title race tightens as Enugu Rangers and Rivers United fight for the 2025/26 crown; FIFA also confirmed Rema will perform at the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony.

Edo Security & Politics: Edo’s NSCDC has deployed 1,542 personnel across the state for Eid-el-Kabir, positioning teams at prayer grounds, markets, highways and worship centres while warning criminals to stay away. Courtroom Update: An Edo High Court dismissed a bid to sack APC secretary Lawrence Okah after the claimant discontinued the case, awarding costs. Health Push in Edo: Health adviser Andrew Iyamu urged stronger monitoring and sensitisation of primary healthcare centres, saying some residents don’t know free services are available and warning that poorly equipped private clinics can delay referrals. Power & Accountability: Nigeria’s electricity regulator says 41% of customers still lack meters, leaving millions on estimated billing. Maritime & Trade: Nigeria approved certification steps for five deep-sea port projects to cut the country’s loss of over 70% of cargo traffic to neighbours. Culture & Heritage: Benin’s Oba Ewuare II asked Rotary to help return about 3,000 looted artefacts held abroad.

Maritime Security Push: President Tinubu will flag off the AU Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea, with the Nigerian Navy also set to commission three new vessels and hold an international fleet review at Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos—aimed at tackling piracy, illegal fishing and other cross-border maritime threats. Education Crisis Brewing: ASUU’s Benin Zone threatens to paralyse public university teaching, accusing the Federal Government of selectively implementing the 2025 agreement on allowances and failing to fully set up monitoring structures. Regional Crime Cooperation: Nigeria is urging stronger ECOWAS cross-border collaboration to fight terrorism and transnational crime, as border agencies push joint action and tighter integration. Benin Artefacts Repatriation: Oba Ewuare II asks Rotary International to help drive the return of about 3,000 looted Benin artefacts held abroad. Local Security Updates: Police in Edo report arrests after a hotel robbery, while Gombe police uncover 119 rounds of ammunition near a cemetery. Power Metering Progress: Discos installed 241,590 meters in two months, lifting metering penetration slightly. Sports & Youth: Edo’s talent hunt draws 270+ athletes; Nigeria’s Flamingos map their possible World Cup route after the draw.

Airwaves & Culture: RFI Hausa marks 19 years since launching Hausa programming on May 21, 2007—still broadcasting across West Africa today. Youth Football: Nigeria’s Flamingos learned their possible 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup route after FIFA’s Zurich draw: if they beat Guinea in the qualifiers, they could land in Group B with Korea DPR, Poland and Puerto Rico. Maritime Security: Tinubu will flag off the AU Combined Maritime Task Force to tackle piracy and illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea, alongside an international fleet review in Lagos. Education & Safety: Edo begins the SafERR Schools campaign, targeting 95,700+ students, teachers and parents with emergency response training. Justice & Rights: An Ondo court hears a child trafficking case alleging two minors were sold for N18,000 each and forced to hawk goods in Benin City. Ports & Trade: Nigeria’s ports push continues as officials approve five deep-sea port projects to handle bigger vessels and reclaim cargo share. Telecom Push: The US USTDA backs a feasibility study for 1,500 mobile base stations across Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria.

Sports & Youth: CAF has released the full schedule for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, setting up 12 groups and home-and-away races across three windows—Nigeria’s Super Eagles land in Group L with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Security in Edo: Nigerian Army troops (4 Brigade) arrested 12 suspected kidnappers during clearance operations in Edo North/Central, with alleged collaborators and logistics suppliers also picked up. Terror warning (South West): Yoruba leader Gani Adams says terrorists have infiltrated at least 40 local governments in the South West and are planning coordinated attacks. Regional integration (Togo): Togo scrapped visas for all African passport holders for up to 30 days, after a public embarrassment at a Lomé forum. Tech & Connectivity (West Africa): The US USTDA backed a feasibility study to deploy about 1,500 US-made mobile base stations across Nigeria, Benin, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Local training: Edo NSCDC trained 200+ personnel in VIP protection, disaster management, intelligence and crime prevention.

Edo Security Crackdown: Nigerian Army troops in Edo have arrested 12 suspected kidnappers and alleged logistics suppliers during clearance operations in Owan East, Esan South-East and Esan North-East, with motorcycles, phones and weapons recovered. Diplomacy: Haiti officially reopened its embassy in Benin in a ceremony in Cotonou, with leaders stressing renewed ties. Ports & Trade: Nigeria’s Federal Government has cleared five deep-sea port projects for investment—Badagry, Olokola, Ibom, Bakassi and Bonny—aiming to win back over 70% of cargo traffic. AFCON Buzz: CAF released the full 2027 AFCON qualifiers schedule; Nigeria is in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. Digital Connectivity Push: The US is funding a feasibility study for about 1,500 mobile base stations across Nigeria, Benin, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to expand coverage in underserved areas. Regional Mobility: Togo has removed visa requirements for African travellers, effective immediately for up to 30 days.

Regional Security Posture: Nigeria’s government is sending troops to Benin to “defend democracy,” even as critics say the country is struggling to secure its own roads and schools. Border Mobility: Togo has removed visa requirements for all African passport holders for up to 30 days, with entry still tied to immigration, security and health checks. Tech Rivalry: The US is funding a feasibility study for about 1,500 US-made mobile base stations across Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire—aimed at expanding “trusted” connectivity and challenging China’s telecom dominance. Edo Crackdown & Rescues: Edo police and security corps rescued a 57-year-old abducted woman after a gun duel, while the state also escalated action against “Yahoo Boys” and arrested a suspect in fake bank transfer scams. Flood Disruption: Heavy rain and bridge collapse left commuters stranded in Edo and Kwara. Sports: AFCON 2027 qualifiers are set—Nigeria landed in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau.

AFCON 2027 Draw: The CAF qualifying groups are out in Cairo, and Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been placed in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau, while Ghana will face Ivory Coast in Group C alongside Gambia and Somalia. Immigration Reform: Togo has gone visa-free for African Union citizens (and now for all African nationals) for short stays up to 30 days, aiming to boost regional mobility and trade. Cycling Ambition: Togo kicked off the 31st Tour Cycliste International with five stages over 530+ km, with organizers hoping it earns a spot on the UCI calendar. Security Watch: In Nigeria, Oyo State is still reeling after the school kidnappings and beheading video—Makinde says the state won’t “give in to terror” but is ready to engage abductors for a safe release. Health & Food: IFAD and GAIN launched a nutrition push in Bangladesh (and beyond) to improve diet quality through agriculture and rural programmes.

Oyo School Kidnapping Fallout: Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde says the state has confirmed 7 students abducted from Community Secondary School and 18 children plus 7 teachers from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School in Oriire LGA—adding that one teacher has been killed. Makinde insists rescue efforts are ongoing, calls for “responsible reporting,” and says the government is ready to listen to abductors’ demands but “will never surrender to terrorism,” with an operational situation room set up at the police command. Drug Crackdown in Edo: NDLEA says it destroyed two cannabis farms in Ago Forest (estimated 1,388.42kg) and arrested four suspected traffickers in Benin City and nearby areas. Border Security Push: Nigeria’s National Boundary Commission urges clearer border demarcation to boost peace and security across Nigeria–Benin and Benin–Togo frontiers. Kwara Flood Disruption: Flooding after Moro Bridge’s collapse has stranded commuters on the Ilorin–Igbeti highway, with diversion works still incomplete. Regional Sports: CAF pots for AFCON 2027 qualifiers place Nigeria in Pot 1, while Ghana and Zambia are in Pot 2 ahead of Tuesday’s draw.

Flood Crisis in Kwara: Commuters were stranded after heavy rains submerged the already-collapsed Moro Bridge, cutting off access and leaving even NCoS unable to move inmates to court. Drug Crackdowns in Edo: NDLEA arrested four suspected traffickers and destroyed two cannabis farms in Ago Forest, with seizures including cannabis, methamphetamine and tramadol. Edo Politics: Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama won the APC Edo South senatorial primary, beating Neda Imasuen and Osagie Ize-Iyamu. AFCON Qualifiers Set-Up: Ghana and Zambia were placed in Pot 2 for the 2027 AFCON qualifying draw, with co-hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania adding extra complexity. Security in the Sahel: A new security map argues AES has failed “systematically,” with Burkina Faso highlighted as the worst case. World News: The ICC prosecutor’s office is seeking an arrest warrant for Israel’s Smotrich over alleged war crimes.

Food Prices in Benin City: Palm oil has dropped to about ₦1,200–₦1,300 per litre from ₦1,500–₦1,600, bringing “fragile relief” to Oba, New Benin and Uselu markets—but traders warn it’s unstable. Weather Watch: GMet says moderate to heavy rains and possible storms are building across southern Ghana, with systems expected to worsen later today and spill into Benin-linked areas. Edo Politics: APC has announced House of Reps primary winners in Edo and issued certificates, with the party calling it peaceful and transparent. Public Safety: Residents in Ubiaja are demanding stronger fire service coverage after a major fire exposed gaps in emergency response. Sports: Ghana and Cape Verde qualified for the 2026 World Cup, but both miss out on top seeds for the 2027 AFCON qualifying draw. Police Reform: Nigeria’s IGP Disu says impunity in the police force is over, with disciplinary action promised.

Edo Safety Push: Residents in Ubiaja are demanding the Edo State government fix fire-service coverage after a Saturday night blaze left them fighting flames with crude methods, with claims the local Federal Fire Service truck was found parked at Benin Airport instead of responding. Road Deaths: In the same state, a truck crash at Idogbo killed two motorcyclists after the driver lost control; police say the driver has been arrested. Police Reform: Nigeria’s IGP Olatunji Disu renewed the push to end impunity, promising upgrades including for traffic wardens, after Edo meetings with officers. Power Upgrade (Edo): TCN inaugurated new 330kV transmission lines to strengthen bulk electricity evacuation in the Benin corridor. Sports (Nigeria): The Falconets learned their fate for the U-20 Women’s World Cup: Group F with Spain, China and debutants New Caledonia. Global Watch: Trump says US and Nigerian forces killed an ISIS senior commander in Sokoto.

Police Reform: Nigeria’s new IGP, Olatunji Disu, says “the era of impunity” is over, promising discipline for officers who abuse power and even flagging gaps like no recruitment into the traffic warden corps. Digital Identity Push: At ID4Africa in Abidjan, officials urged faster, safer legal identity systems for refugees and stateless people, warning that weak safeguards can destroy public trust. Security Shock: In Borno, gunmen abducted 50+ schoolchildren from three schools in Askira-Uba, with parents watching helplessly as toddlers were taken away. Justice Backlash: EFCC has bowed to calls for investigations after alleged attacks on medical workers at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital during a report authentication probe. Sports Spotlight: Nigeria’s Falconets learned their fate—Spain, China and New Caledonia in Group F of the 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup. West Africa Trade: With Hormuz disruption rerouting shipping, maritime firms are expanding along West Africa’s coast, boosting demand for fuel and repairs.

Kidnapping Crisis: Gunmen stormed schools in northeastern Nigeria’s Borno, abducting more than 50 children, with residents saying toddlers were taken during attacks that hit while classes were in session. Security Crackdown: In Sokoto, US and Nigerian forces killed a senior ISIS commander in a joint strike, as Trump announced the operation—while Nigeria’s IGP Tunji Disu vowed to end impunity in the police and promised upgrades, including for traffic wardens. Anti-Graft Backlash: Nigeria’s EFCC backed down after backlash over a raid on Uyo Teaching Hospital, where operatives allegedly attacked medical workers; the agency says it will face investigations. Sports Spotlight: Nigeria’s Falconets learned their fate at the U-20 Women’s World Cup draw: Spain, China and New Caledonia in Group F. Trade Shift: With Hormuz disruption rerouting shipping, global maritime firms are expanding along West Africa’s coast, boosting demand for fuel and repairs. Football Draws: Black Princesses (Ghana) were placed with France, Korea Republic and Ecuador.

Police Reforms: Nigeria’s IGP Tunji Disu says “the era of impunity” is over, promising upgrades including the traffic warden unit after officers raised complaints during a visit to Edo. Court & Rights: In Delta, reactions continue after the Federal High Court remanded social media activist Wong Box over alleged cyberbullying and cyberstalking, with Niger Delta activist Efemena Umukoro publicly backing the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku. Crime Crackdown: Kano police intercepted a stolen vehicle and arrested a suspect in Takai, while Kano also busted a cannabis syndicate, recovering 879 parcels. Anti-graft Backlash: EFCC has “bowed” to calls for investigation after alleged attacks on medical workers at UNIUYO Teaching Hospital sparked public outrage. Sports: The Falconets learned their U-20 World Cup fate—Group F with Spain, China and debutants New Caledonia. Power & Trade: TCN commissioned a 330kV line in Edo to add 600MW to the grid, while West Africa’s maritime firms push expansion as shipping routes shift around the Cape.

Police Reform: IGP Olatunji Disu says the “era of impunity” is over after a daylight shooting incident, and promises upgrades for the traffic warden unit after Edo officers raised recruitment gaps. Power & Infrastructure: TCN inaugurated a 330kV turn-in-turn-out transmission line project in Edo (Ihovbor/Benin and Ihovbor/Ajaokuta), aimed at easing bottlenecks and boosting bulk electricity evacuation—plus a reported 600MW addition to the national grid. Youth Sports: Nigeria’s Falconets learned their 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup Group F fate: Spain, China and New Caledonia. Ghana’s Draw: Ghana’s Black Princesses face France, South Korea and Ecuador in Group C. Health & Community: NDLEA trained NYSC Drug Free Club members in Edo to push anti-drug abuse advocacy at grassroots level. Local Culture & Media: Dele Momodu recounts his Seme border escape during the Abacha era. Cyber/Justice: A cyberbullying case involving Wong Box remains in federal custody as supporters react.