AGP Executive Report

Cultural Repatriation: Switzerland has returned 18 Benin Kingdom artefacts (the “Benin Bronzes”) to Nigeria, with the handover held at the National Museum in Lagos as part of the Benin Initiative Switzerland; the collection includes 18 bronzes plus additional items seized in Switzerland during criminal proceedings, marking a major step in Nigeria’s long-running heritage recovery push. Education & Labour: ASUU Benin Zone has issued a July ultimatum to Edo, Delta and Ondo over the 2025 FGN/ASUU agreement, warning of an indefinite strike in seven state universities if demands aren’t met. Energy & Power: TCN announced a planned 10-hour power outage in parts of Ondo State for substation upgrade works, affecting supply to Ondo Town and Okitipupa. Household Relief: Cooking gas (LPG) prices are easing nationwide after improved supply, with Benin City reported at about ₦1,150–₦1,400/kg. Security Watch: A new SBM Intelligence assessment flags 10 major security flashpoints across Nigeria, warning armed groups could intensify kidnappings and attacks if urgent action isn’t taken. Benin-Region Business: Toyota Tsusho says it has won an EPC deal for a 50MW/160MWh battery storage system for Benin’s Pobè solar cluster, aiming to stabilize the grid.

Benin Bronzes Repatriation: Switzerland returned 18 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in Lagos, including items from the University of Zurich, Museum Rietberg Zurich and Musée d’Ethnographie de Genève—another major step in the long-running push to reclaim colonial-era cultural heritage. Aviation Integration: United Nigeria Airlines was admitted as a full member of AFRAA, expanding West African airline cooperation and connectivity, with the carrier already serving routes including Benin and Accra. University Strike Threat: ASUU Benin Zone issued an end-of-July ultimatum to Edo, Delta and Ondo to implement the 2025 FGN/ASUU agreement or face an indefinite strike in seven state universities. Local Security Worry: Edo police arrested two men over an alleged self-kidnap plot to extort N4 million from a family member. Tourism Push in Edo: Edo’s government says it will keep implementing its Tourism Master Plan, while the NTDA pledges federal-state partnership to unlock the sector. Weather Disruption Regionally: Flooding and heavy rains continued to disrupt movement across parts of coastal West Africa, with Lomé among the affected areas. Road Politics: Peter Obi renewed calls for Nigeria to fix existing roads first, citing the Asaba–Benin corridor.

Roads First in Nigeria: Peter Obi urged the Federal Government to halt new road projects and instead rehabilitate existing highways, citing the deteriorating Asaba–Benin Road as a major cause of congestion and hardship for travellers and businesses. Aviation Integration: United Nigeria Airlines was admitted as a full member of AFRAA, expanding its access to continental partnerships and capacity-building as it serves routes including Benin and plans new ones. Benin Power Upgrade: Toyota Tsusho won an order to install 50MW battery energy storage systems for solar plants in Pobé, aiming to smooth output fluctuations and improve electricity reliability. Drug Crackdown (Lagos): NDLEA seized 4,959kg of Canadian “loud” cannabis worth ₦12.397bn at Apapa Port and arrested a businesswoman with 7.5kg cocaine hidden in a false bottom while travelling to Beijing. Edo Security: Police arrested two men over an alleged self-kidnap plot to extort ₦4m, after intelligence-led investigations uncovered the deception. Agroforestry Research: Universities across Africa launched a four-year mobility project to strengthen agroforestry research and training for climate change mitigation, including Benin’s National University of Agriculture.

Drug Crackdown in Focus: NDLEA says it arrested a China-bound businesswoman with 7.5kg of cocaine and seized ₦12.4bn worth of Canadian Loud at Lagos ports, while also stopping 558,900 tramadol pills and busting a syndicate accused of planting drugs in passengers’ luggage. Security & Crime Response (Edo): Edo police report rescuing 11 kidnap victims and arresting suspects over a fake abduction plot, as the state intensifies action against kidnapping and violent crime. Community Safety (Benin City): NSCDC says it arrested a scrap dealer and recovered vandalised school property in Benin City, part of its Safe Schools monitoring. Road Safety Outreach (Ekpoma): Seadogs held a road safety campaign with FRSC in Ekpoma to curb crashes on the Benin-Ekpoma dual carriageway. Edo Politics & Justice Debate: Adams Oshiomhole backs Edo’s proposed death penalty for kidnappers and bandits, endorsing firing-squad punishment. Sports (Youth Football): Nigeria’s U-17 Flamingos thrashed Future Stars 15-0 in a warm-up ahead of their clash with Benin Republic. Local Football Discipline: Benin City Youth League fines Dynamo Academica ₦100,000 over awards ceremony protocol breaches. Governance & Development (Edo): Okpebholo reiterates that promised 2027 votes will come from Edo’s ongoing projects, highlighting the Jattu ultra-modern market.

Anti-Drug Push: NDLEA says it arrested a China-bound businesswoman, Iwebema Ogechi Peace, after finding 7.5kg of cocaine hidden in a false bottom of her suitcase at Lagos airport, and also seized 4,959kg of “Canadian Loud” cannabis worth about ₦12.397bn at Apapa Port after weeks of tracking. Kidnapping Crackdown: In Edo, police rescued 11 abducted people in Iyahmo after a gun battle and arrested two men accused of staging a fake kidnapping for ₦4m ransom. Joint Security Sweep: Lagos and Ogun police launched Operation “Kósàyè,” arresting 88 suspects, killing four kidnappers, and rescuing five victims along the Sagamu-Benin corridor. Traditional Security Move: Oba of Benin Ewuare II has set July 2 for a “spiritual warfare” invocation against kidnappers and bandits, after a 10-day consultation with spiritual leaders. Sports/Local Interest: Coton Sport mutually terminated Salisu Yusuf’s contract after a strong season, and he is now open to new coaching roles. Infrastructure & Mobility: Ogun says the 28km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway stretch in the state will be completed before end-2026, boosting plans for the Ogun deep sea port.

Cross-border security crackdown: Nigeria’s Ogun and Lagos police launched “Operation Kosaye” to flush out kidnappers and armed robbers, rescuing five victims, killing four suspected kidnappers, and arresting 88 suspects across forest and highway corridors. Edo justice push: Edo State Chief Judge Justice Daniel Okungbowa has set up “Special Criminal Court 1” in Benin City to fast-track cultism and kidnapping cases, starting July 1. Edo security anxiety: Residents in Igbanke, Orhionmwon LGA, Edo, are on edge after gunmen attacked local vigilantes, sparking calls for urgent military and police support. Drug control results: NDLEA says it arrested 289 suspects in Edo since January 2026, secured 52 convictions, and seized 35,008.38kg of cannabis. Energy and infrastructure: Lloyds Energy says it’s evaluating LNG and regasification investments as Benin’s planned floating LNG terminal still lacks major updates; meanwhile, Nigeria’s grid restoration efforts continue to affect power reliability. Women’s rights diplomacy: Nigeria won a UN CEDAW seat with 123 votes, boosting international recognition for gender equality work.

Security & Justice in Edo: Oba Ewuare II has set up a grassroots traditional security network across Edo South to curb banditry, with community advisory committees feeding reports to a coordinator. Courts & Crime Response: Edo’s Chief Judge has constituted a Special Criminal Court 1 to fast-track cultism and kidnapping cases, starting July 1 in Benin City. Anti-Drug Push: Edo and NDLEA say 289 drug suspects have been arrested since January, with 52 convictions and large cannabis seizures, as the state reiterates “zero tolerance.” Power & Public Safety: TCN reports explosions on Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotoso 330kV lines caused grid instability and outages affecting the Lagos corridor; engineers are working to fully restore supply. Elections in Benin City: INEC is running a final CVR sensitisation drive in major markets, urging eligible residents to register before July 10. Energy/Regional Trade: Lloyds Energy says it’s evaluating LNG and related infrastructure investments as Africa’s regasification capacity remains incomplete, including Benin’s long-awaited floating LNG plan.

Drug Crackdown in Edo: NDLEA says 289 suspected drug traffickers were arrested in Edo since January 2026, with 52 convictions and 35,008kg of cannabis seized, as officials renewed calls for “zero tolerance” and stronger community vigilance. Electricity Safety & Grid Shock: At Egor market, traders and residents narrowly escaped death after TCN transmission lines exploded and caught fire, triggering voltage instability and a temporary power disruption across the Lagos corridor; the Benin–Egbin line was restored while engineers worked to fix remaining faults. Elections Prep in Benin City: INEC launched a CVR sensitisation drive in major markets, urging eligible residents to register before the July 10 deadline and to resolve PVC issues. Local Security Moves: Edo’s police recovered stolen vehicles and arrested suspects, while Ogun deployed tactical units to secure the Sagamu–Benin Expressway after a kidnapping/robbery scare. Justice System Response: Edo’s Chief Judge set up a special court to fast-track cultism and kidnapping cases from July 1 in Benin City.

ICC Court vs US Sanctions: Three ICC judges, including Benin’s Reine Alapini-Gansou, have sued the Trump administration in a Manhattan federal court, calling the “draconian” sanctions an attack on judicial independence. Edo Security Crackdown: Edo State security forces kept pressure on kidnappers and cultists, including a Benin–Abraka Road kidnap attempt foiled in a gun battle and fresh arrests tied to the Vegetable Market abduction. Arms Supplier Hunt (Edo): Police say they’re tracking a suspected arms supplier linked to the Vegetable Market case, after a victim identified “Liberty” as the gun source. Power Update (Benin–Lagos): Nigeria’s TCN restored the Benin–Egbin 330kV line after a grid voltage instability that disrupted Lagos and environs, while work continues on the Benin–Omotoso line. Egor Local Development: Egor Council plans to distribute 10 transformers and security vehicles across its wards to improve power and patrol capacity. Ebola Warning (Africa CDC): Africa CDC says Ebola deaths rose to 89 in one week, with treatment centres at 95% bed occupancy and hotspots in eastern DR Congo.

ECOWAS Justice Push: ECOWAS Court President Ricardo Gonçalves urged Benin and other member states to turn commitments into real action on enforcing ECOWAS judgments, as the second meeting of Competent National Authorities opened in Cotonou. Edo Security & Power: In Benin City, Egor Council plans to distribute 10 transformers and two Toyota Sienna vehicles to boost electricity and frontline security. Road Works Update: BAECC says Benin–Agbor–Asaba expressway reconstruction is ongoing despite localized flooding concerns. Grid Disruption: Nigeria’s TCN confirmed a voltage instability that disrupted power to Lagos and environs, with restoration work including the Benin–Egbin line. Oba Ewuare II on Insecurity: The Oba of Benin declared Edo won’t be a safe haven for kidnappers and unveiled a grassroots community security network, with traditional leaders also mobilized for spiritual support. Global Courts Clash: Three ICC judges, including Benin’s Reine Alapini-Gansou, sued the Trump administration over sanctions they call unlawful and coercive. Health Alert: Africa CDC warned Ebola deaths rose to 89 in one week, with treatment centres at 95% bed occupancy and hotspots concentrated in Ituri and North Kivu. Culture & Trade: Morocco was named Guest of Honor at Benin’s craft fair, highlighting regional artisan links. Sports Buzz: Benin’s Flamingos U-17 secured a friendly win ahead of their next qualifier clash.

ICC Legal Battle: Three International Criminal Court judges, including Benin’s Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini-Gansou, have sued the Trump administration in a New York court over sanctions they say are unlawful and meant to coerce them. Edo Security & Kidnapping: Edo State has launched a manhunt for an alleged arms supplier linked to the Benin market kidnapping, after arrests and confessions tied to ransom payments. Oba of Benin & Insecurity: The Oba of Benin ordered traditionalists in Edo South to mobilize spiritual warfare against bandits and kidnappers, framing it as a complement to security efforts. Drug Abuse Push: Edo’s drug control officials and NDLEA warned students against substance abuse ahead of June 26, stressing prevention and community action. Tourism & Heritage: Edo’s Tourism Agency says it will develop 72 tourism assets and crack down on refuse dumping in the moats with stiff penalties. Culture & Trade: A Beijing event connected Chinese cultural and tourism firms with overseas partners, with Benin among participating countries. Sports Audio Trend: Spotify data shows football podcast listening rising across Sub-Saharan Africa, with Benin included among markets seeing growth.

ICC vs. US Sanctions: Three ICC judges, including Benin’s Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini-Gansou, have sued the Trump administration in New York over sanctions they call “manifestly illegal,” arguing the measures unlawfully pressure them and freeze access to banking and services. Security & Community Response (Edo): In Edo State, police say they foiled a kidnapping attempt on the Benin–Abraka Road after a gun duel, while authorities also launched a manhunt for an alleged arms supplier linked to the Benin elite market kidnapping. Traditional Measures for Insecurity (Benin/Edo): Oba of Benin Ewuare II has fixed July 2 for a spiritual exercise to place curses on kidnappers and violent criminals, following meetings with native doctors and priests. EU–Benin Partnership: The European Commission President met Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni, reaffirming long-term cooperation focused on innovation, connectivity, and sustainable investment. Road Disruption (Nigeria): Lagos–Ore–Benin Expressway traffic was hit by a tanker driver blockade, with police denying claims it was a protest over extortion. Rights & Visibility (Cotonou): A Pride Social Forum is set for July 28–30 in Cotonou to support LGBTQ and other marginalized groups amid rising backlash in the region.

Kidnapping Crackdown in Benin City: Edo State Police say they’ve arrested four suspects and killed one linked to the June 14 vegetable market abduction off Airport Road, recovering a Lexus RX 350, a pump-action shotgun, cartridges, cash and a motorcycle. Royal Spiritual Response to Insecurity: Oba of Benin Ewuare II has ordered native doctors and traditional priests to hold spiritual warfare against kidnappers and armed robbers, with curses expected to be pronounced during a palace gathering on July 2 (and related mobilisations already underway). Cross-border Security Push: Police in Lagos rescued 38 foreign nationals in Epe and launched an investigation into suspected illegal entry, with profiling underway before possible handover to immigration authorities. Local Governance & Rights: Edo’s women affairs commissioner says the state is intensifying awareness on legal rights and GBV reporting, pointing to support services including SARCs. Business & Infrastructure: Julius Berger Nigeria reaffirmed its growth strategy at its 2026 Investors’ Forum after reporting strong 2025 results.

ECOWAS Court Ruling: The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice ordered Ghana to pay ₦21 million to a Ghanaian woman, Mary Omerere, after she was wrongly denied passport renewal and blocked from entering her birth country. Edo Kidnapping Crackdown: Edo State Police say they’ve arrested suspects and recovered a Lexus RX 350, weapons, ammunition and cash linked to the June 14 Vegetable Market abduction in Benin City. Benin Traditional Security Response: Oba Ewuare II has summoned native doctors and priestesses for a July 10 spiritual exercise to curse kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminals in Edo and Edo South. Women’s Rights Push in Edo: The Edo government says it’s intensifying awareness on women’s legal rights and GBV reporting, pointing to Sexual Assault Referral Centres and strengthened survivor support. Sports & Youth: Nigeria’s U-18 Boys pre-selection camp begins June 24 in Benin City ahead of FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers. Energy & Business: BCEAO launches a tender for solar PV systems across UEMOA sites, including Benin-related coverage, while Edo’s tech-GBV policy framework is being validated. Culture & Community: A major pan-African insurance inclusion pact is set for Cotonou, with FANAF planning the July 6–8 gathering.

Youth & Social Protection: West African leaders met in Liberia to push coordinated action on strengthening families, empowering youth, and building resilient communities—next year’s edition is set for Cotonou, with Benin in the spotlight. Benin River Culture: Nigeria’s Legacy of Traditions announced “Bini Riva Life,” a major cultural festival inspired by centuries of trade and heritage along the Benin River, running Aug 8–20. Power & Metering: Nigeria’s electricity regulator released N21bn under the Meter Acquisition Fund, including BEDC receiving about N1.57bn, to supply meters within 60 days. Sports (Benin City): The NBBF opened its U-18 Boys pre-selection camp in Benin City (June 24–July 3) ahead of FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers in Burkina Faso. Edo Security & Revenue: Edo State police arrested two more suspects over the June 14 vegetable market abduction in Benin City, while a separate taskforce operation arrested two people for illegal revenue collection at Third Junction. Environment & Governance (Edo): Governor Okpebholo nominated Terry Igiebor to chair the Edo Ecological Funding and Management Commission, pending House confirmation.

Kidnapping Crackdown in Edo: Edo State Police say they’ve arrested two more suspects in connection with the June 14 abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City, after an earlier arrest that implicated community security personnel; authorities also recovered a Lexus RX 350, firearms, ammunition, a motorcycle and ₦2.25m, while a suspect was killed in a gun duel. Anti-Extortion Drive: The Edo State Taskforce also arrested two suspected illegal revenue collectors around Third Junction, Benin City, saying drivers were being extorted and that the governor has banned the practice. Appointments in Edo: Governor Monday Okpebholo approved Terry Igiebor as Chairman of the Edo Ecological Funding and Management Commission, while the Edo House of Assembly confirmed Kayode Iriabekhai Jeff as Commissioner. Drug Abuse Push: Edo’s Drug Control Committee renewed calls for prevention, rehabilitation and community action against illicit drugs, citing poverty and unemployment as key drivers. Benin City Wedding Buzz: Nigerian TikTok star Peller completed Jarvis’ traditional marriage rites in Benin City after paying bride price, drawing both congratulations and criticism online. World Cup Message: Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong sent support to South Africa ahead of their next World Cup group match.