Security & Justice: Omoyele Sowore returned to a Federal High Court in Abuja to renew his demand that Justice M.G. Umar recuse himself after his lawyers quit over alleged maltreatment, while police also probed NSCDC Mining Marshals’ commander’s petition alleging FID interference. Insecurity in Abuja: FCT police foiled an abduction attempt in Byazhin, rescuing a couple after a gun battle, and separately launched a crackdown on tinted vehicles and concealed number plates, impounding 30+ cars linked to kidnappings and “one-chance” robberies. Politics & Democracy: Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro warned that manipulation of party primaries threatens Nigeria’s democracy, as UK observers are set to monitor Ekiti and Osun governorship polls. Kidnapping Outcry: Atiku condemned the Tinubus over abducted Oyo schoolchildren still in captivity, as protests continue. Migration: Nigeria begins screening to repatriate over 1,000 nationals from South Africa amid rising xenophobic tensions. Economy/Policy: CBN set new cash travel limits for forex, while TCN warned of daily power outages in Delta until June 16. Agriculture/Local Growth: IFAD-VCDP distributed agro-inputs to Enugu farmers for wet-season farming.
AGP Executive Report
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State Police Push: The Tinubu Presidency says constitutional amendments for state police are nearing completion after months of consultative talks, with enabling laws expected to follow—aimed at strengthening local security amid rising insecurity. Oyo School Abduction Protests: Angry protesters stormed Abuja over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, while Sunday Igboho renewed claims he can expose politicians allegedly linked to the kidnappings. Security & Courts: A federal court ordered Omoyele Sowore to open his defence in a Tinubu defamation case, and four men were sentenced to death over the 2022 Owo church attack. Power Sector Disruption: TCN confirmed vandalisation and collapse of six towers on the Apir–Lafia 330kV line, taking both lines out of service and disrupting supply. Economy & Markets: Foreign capital inflows surged 83.8% to $10.37bn in Q1 2026, led by portfolio investment, while the naira inched down at the official market. Tech & Policing: Nigeria Police strengthened officers’ capacity to use AI for law enforcement through a leadership workshop. Sports & Culture: Nigeria and Poland drew 2-2 in a friendly watched at an Abuja viewing party, and the Nigeria Volleyball Federation named new national coaching teams.
Campaign Promises: Accord Party’s Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim tells Abuja rally he’ll cut the naira exchange rate to N500–N525 per dollar if elected in 2027, blaming Tinubu’s administration for worsening hardship. Kidnapping in FCT: Gunmen abduct four residents in Kubwa (Byazhin area) and kill a vigilante member during an early-morning attack, raising fresh fears around Abuja satellite communities. Security Reform Debate: Civil society groups demand transparency and constitutional safeguards as Nigeria discusses state police creation, warning against undermining rights and democratic accountability. Protest and Court Moves: Omoyele Sowore leads a nationwide protest in Abuja demanding rescue of abducted schoolchildren, while a Federal High Court orders him to enter his defence in a cyber-defamation case from June 5. Labour vs Government Agencies: Nigeria Labour Congress writes Tinubu over alleged corruption and administrative breakdown at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority in Ilorin. Sports: Super Eagles’ Eric Chelle explains seven half-time changes after a 2-2 friendly draw with Poland; Terem Moffi says Nigeria faces a tough Portugal test next. Energy Policy: Tinubu approves preparations for Nigeria’s 2026 oil and gas licensing round for Q3 2026. Human Rights/Detention: Widow and detained children sue IGP and FCT police chief over alleged unlawful detention.
Court Verdict on Church Attack: A Nigerian federal court sentenced four men to death for the 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church attack in Owo, Ondo State, where at least 50 worshippers were killed, including children, with the court also handing 20-year terms for terrorist membership. Insecurity Update: Gunmen in Sokoto State killed at least 37 people in two days of attacks on a rural community, including during a mourning gathering, as residents reported looting and village burnings. Elections & Data Privacy: Police arrested an INEC official over a voter data breach and interrogated Lere Olayinka, Wike’s media aide, after a leaked screenshot exposed biometric tracking data. Power Sector: TCN said vandals destroyed six transmission towers on the Apir-Lafia line in Nasarawa, leaving two lines out of service and using an alternative route to keep supply to Abuja-area distribution firms. Business & Finance: Nigeria recorded $10.37bn capital importation in Q1 2026, up 83.83% year-on-year, driven mainly by portfolio investment. SMEs & Growth: FCMB’s George Ogbonnaya said SMEs need more than loans—reliable infrastructure, skills, and digital transformation are key to scaling. Sports & National Pride: Super Eagles were held 2-2 by Poland in Warsaw after a late stoppage-time equaliser.
Terror Trial Verdict: A Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four men to death by hanging over the 5 June 2022 St Francis Catholic Church attack in Owo, Ondo State, while acquitting a fifth defendant for lack of sufficient proof. Security Crackdown: Police in Yobe say they raided an illegal “Dane gun” fabrication workshop in Potiskum and arrested seven suspects, recovering pistols, gun parts and a filing machine. Insecurity Toll: Gunmen in Sokoto State reportedly killed at least 37 people in two days of attacks, including raids on a village and a return attack on mourners. Emergency Response Boost: Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Starlink’s donation of specialised communication terminals to NEMA, saying it will improve disaster coordination and response time. Ebola Preparedness: Nigeria’s health ministry says there are no confirmed Ebola cases, but has intensified screening, surveillance and public awareness as outbreaks continue in DRC and Uganda. Economy Watch: Stanbic IBTC’s PMI shows Nigeria’s private sector growth hit a nine-month high in May, driven by stronger new orders and output despite cost pressures. FX Liberalisation: The CBN has relaxed domiciliary account rules, giving Nigerians more freedom to access foreign currency balances under its Foreign Exchange Manual 2026. Politics in Court: An Abuja court adjourned an ADC leadership suit challenging interim executives led by David Mark to June 8.
Ebola Preparedness: The House of Representatives urged the federal government to urgently fund the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to boost Ebola and epidemic response as lawmakers warned Nigeria’s surveillance system is under strain. Security Crisis: The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) declared June 12–14 a three-day national mourning, with June 14 tagged “Black Sunday,” and demanded a state of emergency on insecurity. Teachers Under Siege: Nigeria’s teachers’ unions staged protests in Abuja and Benin over abductions and killings of teachers and pupils, with calls for immediate action to secure schools. Finance & Housing: President Tinubu praised MOFI’s MREIF for delivering N128bn mortgages to 1,859 families across 25 states, citing 20-year tenors and 9.75% fixed rates. Payments & Poverty: CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso said an efficient payment system is key to lifting Nigerians out of poverty as he unveiled the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028. Innovation Boost: WIPO opened its first Sub-Saharan Africa office in Abuja, aiming to deepen Nigeria’s intellectual property and innovation drive. Sports: StarTimes announced full LIVE coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Nigeria with a “Watch the World Cup. Win Big” prize campaign.
Security Pressure on Government: Pastor Enoch Adeboye urged President Tinubu to give security chiefs a 90-day ultimatum to end terrorism or resign, adding that sponsors of attacks must also be targeted. School Kidnapping Protests: Teachers and students staged rallies in Abuja, Osun, and Ogun demanding the immediate release of abducted Oyo schoolchildren and staff, with FCT minister Nyesom Wike assuring security agencies are working while warning against politicising insecurity. Court Update on Owo Attack: A Federal High Court in Abuja fixed June 3 for judgment in the DSS trial of five suspects linked to the 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church attack in Owo, where prosecutors seek death sentences. CBN Payments Push: The CBN launched Payments System Vision 2028, targeting 95% financial inclusion, faster digital transactions, and fraud losses below 1% by 2028. Food Prices Rise: NBS reported month-on-month increases in April for tomatoes, beans, garri, onions and ginger, reflecting continued cost-of-living pressure. Business/Markets: Nigeria’s stock market opened bearish, shedding about N1.81tn as investors took profits, while NNPC said April revenue rose sharply and crude output hit 1.68mbpd.
FCT Security & Livestock: Abuja residents got an apology from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike after he admitted cattle are still roaming major roads, saying he takes responsibility and will push stricter enforcement. Mining Crackdown: NSCDC has arraigned 24 suspects for illegal lithium mining in Nasarawa, including 15 Chinese and 9 Nigerians. Kidnapping Pressure: NDC leader Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso raised alarm over delays in rescuing Oyo kidnapped pupils and teachers, urging urgent action. Ebola Preparedness: NCDC intensified surveillance for travellers from Ebola-hit countries, with health workers told to treat symptomatic arrivals as suspected cases within 21 days. Power Sector Reality Check: Nigeria’s blackout problem persists despite World Bank-backed funding totalling about $3.653bn over two decades. Capital Markets Upgrade: NGX became Africa’s first market to launch the T+1 settlement cycle, cutting settlement to one business day. Court Watch: Federal High Court opened weekend filing for pre-election cases, while the Supreme Court set aside an appellate ex parte “judicial tragedy” order. Maritime Security: Tinubu inaugurated new naval vessels and a Gulf of Guinea task force to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture. Politics 2027: Omo-Agege celebrated Peter Obi’s ratification as NDC presidential candidate for 2027.
Opposition Politics: Peter Obi says he will run for president again in January after winning the NDC nomination, setting up a fresh Tinubu-versus-Obi rematch as the opposition remains divided. Security & Kidnapping: Nigerian Army troops rescued 23 kidnap victims along the Ayegunle–Bunu road in Kogi after bandits attacked and abandoned passengers during a pursuit. School Safety: Nigeria’s teachers in Oyo State begin an open-ended strike over the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils, while NUT also urges more security deployment to border schools. Terrorism Update: New reports claim a Nigeria–US airstrike that killed ISWAP commander Abubakar Mainok also wiped out three key lieutenants, creating a leadership vacuum. Court & Crime: An Anambra court sentenced a tricycle operator to death by hanging for murder linked to a “one chance” robbery. Business & Culture: MultiChoice launches a month-long free DStv upgrade campaign for eligible subscribers, while BBNaija season 10 reunion premieres June 8. Sports: Tobi Amusan wins her first Diamond League race of the season in Rabat, and Nigeria’s Super Falcons open camp for Senegal friendlies ahead of WAFCON.
Tertiary Education: The Presidency commissioned new female students’ hostels at Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau and Yuli campuses, funded through TETFund. Education Funding: Former minister Osita Chidoka warned Nigeria spends only 2.14% of GDP on education in 2026, far below UNESCO benchmarks. Politics 2027: Accord Party’s Gbenga Hashim emerged presidential candidate after affirmation primaries with 423,902 affirmative votes. Security & Crime: Police said 140 officers died in the FCT within one year; NDLEA seized ketamine and ecstasy hidden in water purifier machines and intercepted military-grade ammunition. School Abductions: Oyo teachers begin an indefinite strike from June 1 over abducted teachers and pupils. Energy & Economy: CPPE linked 37.46% growth in petroleum refining to Dangote Refinery and Middle East disruptions; CBN data showed Nigeria’s food import bill fell to $2.34bn in 2025. Sports: Super Falcons named a 23-player squad for Senegal friendlies; Flamingos thrashed Guinea 11-0 on aggregate to reach the final qualifying round.
Elections & Opposition: Peter Obi emerged as Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate in Abuja, vowing to slash corruption and the “cost of governance,” and to uphold rule of law; he also named Rabiu Kwankwaso as running mate, insisting the VP won’t be a “spare tyre.” Court & Politics: Jonathan’s eligibility case has moved to the Court of Appeal in Abuja, after an appeal challenging a Federal High Court ruling. Security: A retired senior general, Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar, and his wife were kidnapped in Katsina, while a photo of slain ISWAP commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki surfaced after a US-Nigeria operation in Borno. Crime & Justice: NSCDC Mining Marshals arraigned 15 Chinese and nine Nigerians in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining in Nasarawa; police also arrested NSCDC officers over a colleague’s death and traced N2bn to a suspect’s bank account. Health: Lagos intensified Ebola surveillance at MMIA, urging reduced interaction between high-risk arrivals and other travellers. Economy & Policy: CBN expanded PoS geo-fencing radius from 10 to 70 metres and extended the deadline to Aug 1, 2026; CBN also said Nigeria spent $2.34bn on food imports in 2025. Abuja & Governance: FCTA began demolishing structures in Durumi, displacing residents and disrupting businesses. Sports: Super Eagles retained the Unity Cup, beating Jamaica 3-0 in London.
PDP Crisis in Abuja: Nigeria Police blocked access to the A-Class Event Centre as the Turaki-led PDP faction moved to affirm Goodluck Jonathan as its 2027 presidential candidate, amid claims of threats from FCT minister Nyesom Wike and alleged intimidation by thugs; Constitutional Rights Push: RULAAC condemned the blockade and warned that curbing freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly violates the 1999 Constitution; Certificate of Return: Prof. Jerry Gana received Jonathan’s PDP certificate on his behalf as the faction proceeded after the venue was disrupted; Minimum Wage Talks: Nigeria Governors’ Forum chairman AbdulRazaq says states are considering a new national minimum wage of ₦100,000 due to inflation and cost of living; Fuel Price Update: Dangote Refinery cut petrol gantry price to ₦1,250/litre from ₦1,275; Education & Security: NUT and HURIWA renewed calls for urgent rescue of abducted Oyo teachers and pupils; Elections Abroad: INEC chairman Amupitan joined Korea’s local election observation programme; Sports Integrity: NSC partners EFCC to tackle corruption in sports.
Fuel Subsidy & Cost of Living: President Bola Tinubu told governors that removing fuel subsidy in his first minutes saved Nigeria from bankruptcy, saying reforms are now stabilising the economy and boosting agriculture. Clean Energy & Transport: Tinubu also commissioned four Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) projects in Lagos, Abuja and Owerri, including a CNG mother station at Kubwa, as part of efforts to cut transport costs and expand domestic gas use. Security Operations: The Defence Headquarters said troops rescued 179 kidnapped victims and neutralised terrorists in coordinated offensives across theatres between May 25 and 28. Ebola Preparedness: NCDC warned Nigeria faces a high risk of importing Ebola from DR Congo and Uganda, ordering states and FCT to activate emergency readiness. Elections & Party Tensions in Abuja: FCT warned Abuja hotels and event centres to refuse non-INEC-recognised party factions or risk revoking title documents, as PDP factions trade accusations over a planned Jonathan ratification convention. Petrol Prices: NBS reported petrol rose to ₦1,532.93 per litre in April, up 18.97% from March. Sports: Tobi Amusan slipped to third in world 100m hurdles rankings despite improved Diamond League times.
FCT Security Crackdown: The FCTA warned Abuja hotels, event centres and other public facilities that they must deal only with INEC-recognised political party leaderships, threatening revocation of land titles for venues hosting “illegal organisations,” as it moves to tighten security ahead of 2027. Minimum Wage Debate: Rights activist Omoyele Sowore backed a ₦500,000 minimum wage, arguing Nigeria has money for workers if public funds are not treated as private property by politicians. Tinubu Third-Year Fallout: Former sports minister Solomon Dalung said Tinubu’s three years amount to “monumental failure,” citing worsening hardship and hunger. NDC Primaries in Focus: Senator Kabiru Marafa emerged NDC governorship candidate in Zamfara via consensus; in Enugu, Prof. James Ene-Nwannaji won the NDC governorship ticket, while Aisha Yesufu withdrew from the FCT senatorial race after the party reportedly opted out of primaries. Security Updates: Nigeria Police debunked a viral Oyo school-abduction video as old and foreign, urging Nigerians to rely on official updates. Ebola Alert: NCDC placed Lagos, FCT and eight other states on high alert for Ebola importation risk. Economy & Finance: Nigeria’s fiscal deficit narrowed to N330bn in Q3 2025, and economists urged government to use regional endowments and value chains to boost GDP growth. Sports: Millwall striker Femi Azeez grabbed headlines with a brace on his Super Eagles debut against Zimbabwe, though coach Eric Chelle said his overall play still needs improvement.
Aviation Security Push: FAAN says it will strengthen arrest, prosecution and justice coordination across airports, following a high-level stakeholders’ engagement aimed at tighter enforcement and faster handling of offences in airport environments. Airport Safety Overhaul: MMIA’s Airport Safety Committee has cut airside speed limits to 10km/h in key construction zones and launched an Airside Taskforce to clamp down on reckless driving, debris hazards and other safety violations. Air Peace Fleet Boost: Air Peace took delivery of another Boeing 737-800 to meet rising passenger demand, expanding its domestic and regional capacity. Ebola Alert: NCDC places Lagos, FCT and several other states on high Ebola readiness after an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain in East and Central Africa, warning of importation risk. Politics & Courts: The Federal High Court will open registries on weekends and public holidays for filing pre-election matters, as parties and aspirants gear up for 2027 disputes. Unity Cup Focus: Super Eagles’ camp in London faces uncertainty over Ndidi, Moses Simon and Akor’s arrival ahead of the Jamaica rematch, after Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Zimbabwe. Economy & Cost Pressure: Car importation into Nigeria is falling as inflation, FX volatility and high import duties keep vehicle prices out of reach for many buyers.
Religious Freedom Crisis: A new U.S. USCIRF report says fear, killings, abductions and religious violence now define daily life in Nigeria, accusing authorities of tolerating attacks and failing to prosecute perpetrators. School Kidnappings: Nigeria’s Education Ministry condemned abductions in Borno and Oyo, coming nearly two weeks after pupils and staff were taken; Child Protection Network Nigeria says Children’s Day celebrations are overshadowed by children still in captivity. Women Under Threat: Womanifesto Nigeria and 250 women’s rights groups condemned rising abductions and attacks on women, girls and children, warning that victims remain trapped without rescue or accountability. Security Warning: Nextier says the killing of ISWAP commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki may trigger fresh threats in the North-East and Lake Chad region. Economy & Cost of Living: The CBN paused further rate cuts amid global inflation fears; kerosene prices have climbed toward N4,000 per litre in some states. Politics Ahead of 2027: Atiku urged Tinubu to expedite safe release of abducted school children; ADC’s Atiku won its presidential ticket, while Afenifere accused Tinubu of breeding poverty, unemployment and insecurity. Sports: Nigeria’s Super Eagles set for the Unity Cup final against Jamaica after reaching the decider.
Children’s Day Security Alarm: CAN and youth groups urged urgent action after the abduction of Oyo school pupils and teachers, saying no child should face fear in classrooms and calling for immediate rescue and stronger protection of teachers. Eid-el-Kabir Peace Messages: As Muslims marked Eid al-Adha, leaders across Nigeria urged faith, sacrifice, unity and peaceful coexistence, with calls for voters to choose leaders who promote peace. Mpox Response in Kaduna: Kaduna authorities moved to contain a growing mpox outbreak with contact tracing, targeted vaccination, isolation for confirmed cases, and public awareness through radio and community outreach. Aviation Finance Plan: FG outlined plans for an aircraft leasing firm backed by a sovereign guarantee and a small equity stake, aiming to ease aircraft access for local airlines and protect repossession rights. Tax Reform Pressure: ACCI asked for a 1–2 year grace period on penalties for late tax filings as businesses adjust to new laws and online systems. Business, Tech and Energy Push: NDIC hosted an industry immersion challenge in Abuja; telecoms subscribers rose to 185.7m; and Tetracore began power generation and distribution from its 100MW Atakobo project. Politics: ADC declared Atiku Abubakar its 2027 presidential candidate after winning the primary in Abuja.
Security Crisis: A US religious freedom report says about 30,000 armed Fulani militants are driving killings, church attacks, abductions and violent land invasions across Nigeria, with violence hitting both Christians and Muslims. Kidnapping & Attacks: In Kwara, bandits attacked a police station and a traditional ruler’s palace, kidnapping at least 10; another attack abducted 15 during a night vigil. Road Woes in Abuja: Residents of Bwari’s Chikakore area lament the collapse of the Bwari-Kubwa road, accusing contractors and government of abandoning work ahead of 2027 politics. Economy & FX: The naira strengthened in April after CBN injected N9.71tn via OMO bills, easing pressure on the dollar market. Oil Sector: A Lagos court ordered receivership and asset-freezing against Nestoil and Neconde Energy over bank debt claims. Eid & Governance: INEC urged staff to uphold integrity during Eid-el-Kabir; NLC called on Nigerians to use ballots against hunger and insecurity. Sports: Super Eagles beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the Unity Cup semi-final, with debutant Femi Azeez scoring twice to set up the final.
Security & Policing: Lagos Police say they neutralised four suspected kidnappers, arrested 10 people, and recovered arms, ammunition, stolen vehicles and about N300m assets in May operations, including a foiled kidnap attempt at Jakande Estate. Military & Transition: NAFRC, Oshodi, is training senior and mid-level officers in entrepreneurship and management ahead of civil transition, as the centre pushes business skills for life after service. Navy at 70: Nigerian Navy dockyard teams visited Living Fountain Orphanage with education and welfare support, while NNS BEECROFT marked the anniversary with school materials and free medical outreach in Lagos. Eid Security: Police in Abuja and Niger State ordered tighter patrols and warned officers against misconduct ahead of Eid-el-Kabir. Sports: Super Eagles advanced in the Unity Cup after Femi Azeez’s debut brace against Zimbabwe, setting up the final. Business & Economy: NAICOM granted an operational licence to CBI Partnering Insurtech as Nigeria’s insurance reforms deepen, while CBN liquidity operations are expected to bring about N2.04tn inflows this week. Court & Energy: Malabu Oil dragged FG to court over the OPL 245 split, demanding ₦1trn damages.
NDLEA Crackdown After Abuja Attack: NDLEA boss Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) visited injured officers at the National Hospital after a Dawaki mob attack during a drug raid on May 15, promising full support and vowing that attackers will be arrested and prosecuted. Court Clears Jonathan: A Federal High Court in Abuja ruled Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election, dismissing a suit for lack of standing and fining the plaintiff N20m. OPL 245 Legal Battle: Malabu Oil & Gas has filed a ₦1trn suit against the FG over the splitting and conversion of OPL 245, arguing it was done while related cases were pending. 2027 Primaries Heat Up: In ADC presidential primaries, Atiku is reported to have early wins in six states, while Rotimi Amaechi won Bayelsa; INEC is also asking the Court of Appeal to stay a ruling that struck parts of the 2027 election timetable. Power Sector Funding Wobble: The World Bank cancelled the undisbursed portion of Nigeria’s Power Sector Recovery Program, warning that earlier gains are being undone by policy shocks. Tragedy: Nigerian youngster Victor Udoh, 21, reportedly died in Abuja after suspected food or alcohol poisoning.
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