AGP Executive Report

Edo Security & Schools: Edo State ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo after DSS intelligence flagged a planned mass student abduction, with officials citing intercepted communications and a suspect arrested during surveillance. Kidnapping Politics: Governor Monday Okpebholo urged kidnappers and sponsors of insecurity to release victims, arguing no party can win power through violence and insisting Aso Rock is not vacant. Police Crackdown: The IGP approved deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General to Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and directed coordinated inter-state patrols to curb cross-border crime. Telecom & Broadband: NCC said operators have deployed 5,000 new network sites and extended fibre to 700 sites, while fixed broadband subscriptions surged as fibre expansion is pushed to ease pressure on mobile networks. Press Freedom Watch: Journalists in Ivory Coast warned of government moves to control the profession, while Benin faces RSF complaints tied to the crackdown on a Beninese journalist. Sports & Money: FIFA confirmed a $355m Club Benefits Programme that will pay clubs—including Enyimba and Remo Stars—for releasing players during World Cup qualifiers. Anti-Fraud: EFCC questioned a banker and a bureau de change operator over an alleged $2.5m money laundering scheme involving cash payments above legal thresholds. Labour Policy: Kuwait restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries, banning many others including Nigeria and Kenya.

Police Operations & Security: Nigeria’s IGP Olatunji Disu approved deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General to the six geopolitical zones and ordered coordinated inter-state “handshake patrols” from June 15 to curb cross-border crime, as Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo blamed opposition parties for worsening insecurity and urged immediate release of abducted victims. Edo Politics & Elections: Edo APC flagged off Edo South local government campaigns in Benin City with candidates presented to party faithful, while NDLEA vowed intensified raids on drug flashpoints ahead of the July 11 LG elections. Justice & Accountability: EFCC interrogated a banker and a bureau de change operator over an alleged $2.5m money laundering scheme involving cash payments above legal thresholds. Humanitarian & Public Safety: NEMA’s Benin operations team carried out rapid assessment after a train incident along the Agbor axis in Delta, coordinating with emergency and security agencies. Health & Community Harm: A woman in Edo was arrested after allegedly throwing a disabled five-year-old into a river after being told by a “seer” the child was a python. Regional Security Outlook: Analysts urged MNJTF to evolve tactics to better contain Boko Haram and ISWAP around Lake Chad. Benin-Linked Business/Tech: WATAF’s executive highlighted West Africa’s push to modernize tax systems through digital transformation, including reforms in Nigeria, Benin, Ghana and Senegal.

Edo & Benin City Safety: A mother in Edo’s Ovia North-East was arrested after allegedly drowning her disabled 5-year-old in a river, following instructions from a “seer” who claimed the child would “turn into a python,” sparking outrage and mourning. Education & Admissions: A University of Benin graduate went viral after sharing her JAMB score (238) and admission journey, while another UNIBEN student highlighted a 4.87/5.00 CGPA and overall best student finish in Medical Laboratory Science. Exams & Access: UTME candidates say JAMB excluded them from the June 13 mop-up despite reported CBT glitches, as the board insists the mop-up is the final chance for eligible candidates. Security & Public Order: The “Take-It-Back” movement announced nationwide June 12 protest venues over insecurity and hardship, while Edo’s army recruitment screening for shortlisted candidates begins June 9 in Benin City. Trade & Tax Policy: WATAF says Nigeria, Benin, Ghana and Senegal are pushing tax reforms for digital services, with regional support for tools and training. Sports: Chapel of Grace Sports Club in Benin received a trophy from Edo’s sports commissioner, and Bendel Insurance’s Federation Cup exit after a 3–0 lead became a reminder that matches aren’t won at halftime.

Edo & Regional Security: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo urged Nigerians to intensify prayers as kidnapping rises ahead of 2027, saying “this country does not belong to kidnappers” and calling for unity to tackle insecurity. Oyo School Abduction: In fresh captivity footage, the abducted vice principal of Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele, Mrs Rachael Alamu, denied claims that kidnappers demanded Sharia law, insisting their only demand is the release of detained members. Osun Security Vote Scrutiny: Osun APC demanded Governor Ademola Adeleke account for security votes, alleging Amotekun operatives were deployed to guard a private energy facility in Ondo and questioning the use of N14.9bn. Edo Traditional Titles: Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Edo banned unauthorised Igbo monarchical titles outside Igboland, warning against parallel coronations and citing a court ruling. Human Trafficking Rescue: NAPTIP and GAHTO rescued trafficked Nigerian girls from Mali, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire. Business & Energy: Cooking gas shortages persist despite new imports, with retailers warning supply remains constrained and prices high. Investment: Electric mobility firm Spiro secured $215m to expand EV and battery-swapping across markets including Benin and Nigeria.

Drug Trafficking Push: Liberia’s ECOWAS envoy John Ballout urged a regional task force to tackle illicit drug trafficking, saying no single country can stop cross-border flows alone. Edo Security & Misinformation: Edo police arrested “Aza Woman” (Uzebor Emmanuel) over viral false claims that students were kidnapped in Benin City, warning such posts can spark panic and waste security resources. NDLEA Crackdown: NDLEA arrested four female drug suspects across Edo, Imo, Kano and Gombe, seizing skunk, loud, tramadol and other drugs in coordinated raids. Insecurity Ahead of 2027: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo called for intensified prayers against kidnapping and cultism, insisting Nigeria “does not belong to kidnappers” as elections near. Fire in Benin City: Anambra Supermarket in Ikpoba Hill was gutted by fire, with reports pointing to a possible solar panel fault; goods worth millions were destroyed. Youth & Jobs: Skyewise Group says it has invested over N9 billion in Edo, creating 100+ jobs at its new headquarters and empowering thousands through its foundation. Politics: ADC chieftain John Odigie-Oyegun criticized rising defections and party-switching ahead of 2027, saying leaders are disconnected from citizens’ struggles.

Benin–Nigeria Security Reset: Benin’s newly sworn-in President Romuald Wadagni has wasted no time building ties with key neighbours, visiting Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu and then Niger’s Abdourahamane Tiani and Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré, with border insecurity and insurgency a central focus. Public Safety & Accountability: Edo State police arrested “Aza Woman” (Uzebor Emmanuel) for spreading a false viral claim that students were kidnapped in Benin City, warning that misinformation can spark panic and undermine security. Drug Crackdown: NDLEA reported major seizures and arrests, including 320,840 tramadol capsules hidden under building materials in Taraba, plus multiple female suspects and other drug busts across Edo, Imo, Kano and Gombe. Fire Incident in Benin City: A fire gutted sections of Anambra Supermarket on the Benin-Auchi Road, with reports pointing to a possible power surge/solar panel fault and firefighters stopping wider damage. Governance & Rights Pressure: Nigeria’s labour movement took its case to the ILO, accusing the government of repeated workers’ rights abuses and anti-union interference. Community Leadership: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo urged prayers for Nigeria’s peace and economic recovery, saying the country “does not belong to kidnappers.”

Edo Security & Public Safety: Edo State Police arrested “Aza Woman” (Uzebor Emmanuel) after viral false claims that students were kidnapped from Green Park Academy (Aduwawa) and Western Boys’ College (Ikpoba Hill), Benin City—police say the story was misleading, sparked panic, and will be prosecuted. Drug Crackdown: NDLEA reported major seizures and arrests, including 320,840 tramadol pills and other opioids in Taraba, plus four female suspects arrested across Edo, Imo, Kano and Gombe. Leadership Message on Insecurity: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo urged Nigerians to pray at Christ Embassy in Benin City, saying “Nigeria does not belong to kidnappers,” while calling for peace, prosperity and economic recovery. Regional Security Cooperation: Nigeria and Benin Republic forces repelled a terrorist ambush in Niger State and detonated multiple IEDs along a troops withdrawal route. Benin Tourism & Heritage: In Ouidah, China-backed waterfront development is set to link the modern La Marina complex to the historic slave route and “Gate of No Return,” boosting tourism. World Cup Focus: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana are set for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with potential earnings tied to qualifying and progress beyond the group stage.

US Immigration Ruling: A US federal judge struck down Trump-era immigration policies that had stalled asylum, work permits, green cards and citizenship decisions for applicants from 39 countries, including Benin—calling the delays unlawful and leaving people in “legal limbo.” Benin Diplomacy: President Romuald Wadagni made a working visit to Côte d’Ivoire, pledging deeper trade, infrastructure and energy cooperation and stronger regional coordination amid security and economic pressures. Regional Security: Nigeria and Benin forces repelled a terrorist ambush in Niger State and detonated multiple IEDs, recovering arms and ammunition while arresting a suspected terrorist informant. Tourism & Heritage: In Ouidah, China-backed works are turning the former slave-trade port into a waterfront tourism complex, linking the La Marina development to the “Slave Route” and “Gate of No Return.” Edo Judiciary: Edo State announced Justice Mary Nekpen Asemota’s swearing-in as Acting President of the Customary Court of Appeal on June 8. Sports: Enyimba crashed out of Nigeria’s Federation Cup after a 5-4 penalty defeat to Ikorodu City.

Edo Judiciary Update: Justice Mary Nekpen Asemota will be sworn in as Acting President of the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal on June 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Benin City. Regional Security: Nigeria and Benin Republic forces repelled a terrorist ambush in Niger State, detonating multiple IEDs and arresting a suspected informant after minor injuries were reported. Benin Diplomacy: President Romuald Wadagni begins a reset with Sahel states, visiting Niger and Burkina Faso, while also reaffirming cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire to boost trade, infrastructure and energy. Tourism & Heritage: China-backed work is set to transform Ouidah’s former slave port into a waterfront tourism complex, linking the La Marina project to the historic Slave Route and memorial sites. Digital Fraud Crackdown: Nigeria’s IGP special team arrested Ifechukwu Dennis in Benin City over a fake Tinubu voice note, as authorities warn against voice-cloning misinformation. Kidnapping Demands: Oyo school abductors issued demands including release of jailed terrorist commanders, ransom reportedly ₦1bn (linked to Benin), Hilux vehicles, and Sharia-related concessions. Environment Push: Igbinedion University in Okada led World Environment Day calls for climate action and sustainable living.

Diplomacy Reset: Benin’s newly elected President Romuald Wadagni kicked off his foreign push with working visits to Niger and Burkina Faso, signaling a potential reset with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) after years of strained ties. Regional Cooperation: Wadagni also met Côte d’Ivoire’s Alassane Ouattara, with both leaders pledging stronger coordination on trade, infrastructure, and energy amid West Africa’s security and economic pressures. Security & Borders: Nigeria’s NSCDC says it busted an illegal detention camp in Lagos’ Badagry area, rescuing 24 victims (including a toddler) and arresting four suspects linked to a cross-border syndicate involving nationals from Togo, Benin, and Ghana. Fake Audio Crackdown: Nigeria’s Presidency says an IGP crack team arrested Ifechukwu Dennis in Benin City over an alleged AI-generated “Tinubu voice” recording. Sports (Benin): Benin and Niger played to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly. Environment: Edo Governor Okpebholo marked World Environment Day with tree planting, urging residents to cut waste and protect waterways.

Fake Tinubu Voice Crackdown: Nigeria’s IGP special team arrested Ifechukwu Dennis in Benin City over an AI-generated “Tinubu voice” audio that went viral, with the Presidency saying police will issue an official statement. Edo School Panic Quashed: Edo State Police debunked a viral claim that Green Park Academy students were kidnapped, saying investigations found no such incident and urging residents to verify information before sharing. Benin–Côte d’Ivoire Diplomacy: Beninese President Romuald Wadagni met Côte d’Ivoire’s Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, reaffirming stronger bilateral ties and cooperation on trade, infrastructure, energy, and regional security. Regional Skills Push: A 43-country conference in Abuja focused on skills development and apprenticeships, with Benin’s TVET delegation taking part in discussions on gender and inclusion. Power Disruptions in Delta: TCN announced daily outages across Delta State from 10am to 5pm until June 16 due to maintenance at the Delta 132/33kV substation. Security Education Spotlight: Scouts visited Edo’s Ramat Park Flyover to promote civic learning, while police and officials continue to push against misinformation and panic.

Benin–Sahel Diplomacy: Newly inaugurated Benin President Romuald Wadagni began resetting ties with a first regional stop in Niger, then moved to Burkina Faso, with both leaders prioritising security cooperation and trade corridors via the Port of Cotonou. Regional Integration & Travel: African states keep easing movement for Africans—Congo announced visa-free entry for African passport holders from Jan 1, 2027, while Togo and Ghana have already rolled out similar steps to boost AfCFTA trade. Cross-border Security & Jihadist Threats: Benin is working to tighten counterinsurgency coordination with neighbours, including joint efforts with Nigeria, as ISWAP continues to outpace Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin. Fake Audio Crackdown (Edo/Nigeria): Nigeria’s presidency says police arrested Ifechukwu Dennis, alleged originator of an AI-generated “Tinubu voice” that went viral; the suspect was arrested in Benin City. Edo Public Safety: Edo State begins training for newly recruited forest guards on June 5, while police also moved against a blogger (“Azawoman”) over a false Benin City school kidnapping report. Anti-fraud in Benin: EFCC arraigned a University of Benin staffer over alleged N3.2m salary duplication fraud.

Anti-Corruption in Edo: EFCC arraigned UNIBEN staff Segun Bode Adedeji before an Edo State High Court over alleged N3.2m “double salary” fraud, with the case adjourned for further proceedings. Security Update (Edo): Police say they arrested Haruna Musa, a suspected kidnapper, after a gun battle in an Edo forest and recovered two decomposing bodies linked to a highway kidnapping syndicate. Public Safety (Edo): Edo State begins training newly recruited forest guards on June 5 at the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, after DSS profiling and medical screening. Regional Power (West Africa): The World Bank reports major progress in electricity access and cross-border power trade, citing 4,000+ km of transmission lines and over three million new connections. EV Investment (Benin-linked): Spiro secured $215m equity to expand electric mobility and battery-swapping, operating already in Benin and other African markets. Human Trafficking (Pan-Africa): Catholic leaders and partners met in Abuja to push a united continental response against trafficking, with delegates including Benin. Sports (Nigeria/Benin City): NFF released 2026 President Federation Cup Round of 16 venues, including Ikorodu City vs Enyimba at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on June 6. Benin Politics/Regional Ties: Reports say Benin’s new president, Romuald Wadagni, is resetting ties with Niger and Burkina Faso amid regional tensions.

Voodoo & Democracy in Benin: A new AP look at Benin’s 1991 democratic turning point links the country’s democratic resilience to the survival of Vodún, after former ruler Mathieu Kérékou tried to suppress the faith. Regional Power & Power Trade: The World Bank says its West Africa power integration push is boosting electricity access and cross-border trading, with Benin among 15 countries connected through the West African Power Pool. EV Investment for Benin’s Mobility: Spiro secured $215m in equity to expand battery-swapping and EV infrastructure across markets including Benin, aiming to cut transport costs and reduce fuel dependence. Sahel Diplomacy: Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni is rebuilding ties with Niger and Burkina Faso, including steps toward reopening the Benin-Niger border and renewed security cooperation. Security in Edo (Nigeria): Edo police arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered bodies from a forest along the Benin-Lagos expressway, while also dismissing claims of a separate school kidnapping as false. Business & Trade (Benin-Nigeria): Wilmar and TGI Group signed a 50:50 JV covering agriculture, food processing and distribution across Nigeria and Benin. US Deportations: The US confirmed deportation plans for 355 people from West Africa, including 110 Nigerians and one Beninese.

Sahel Diplomacy Reset: Benin’s new president Romuald Wadagni kicked off his foreign reset with a visit to Niger and Burkina Faso, pushing for a joint mechanism to clear the way for reopening the Benin–Niger border and boosting security cooperation against jihadist violence. Local Governance & Markets: In Edo State, market women staged a major protest in Benin City after Governor Okpebholo allegedly locked them out of the rebuilt Oba Market, paralyzing trade and reigniting fears over lost shop rights. Public Safety in Edo: Police recovered bodies of kidnapped victims from a forest near the Benin–Lagos Expressway and arrested a suspect after a gun battle, highlighting ongoing kidnapping risks along key corridors. Clean Transport Investment: African EV firm Spiro secured $215m in equity to expand battery-swapping and EV infrastructure across markets including Benin and Nigeria. Justice & Rule of Law: Nigeria’s Supreme Court justice Mohammed Baba Idris warned that delayed or compromised justice threatens democracy, calling for urgent judicial reforms. Drug Crackdown: Edo NDLEA arrested 48 suspected traffickers and seized 541.47kg of drugs in May, including mostly cannabis. Business & Trade: Wilmar and TGI Group agreed a 50:50 joint venture covering agriculture, processing, and distribution across Nigeria and Benin.

Diplomacy Reset: Benin’s new President Romuald Wadagni met Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu in Lagos, then moved to Niger and Burkina Faso to ease tensions after the 2023 coup-era fallout, with talks focused on reopening borders and security cooperation against jihadist violence. Trade & Investment: Wilmar and TGI Group agreed a 50:50 joint venture combining agriculture, processing, and distribution across Nigeria and Benin through a Singapore holding company, aiming to scale food supply and branded products. Regional Security: Reports highlight rising jihadist pressure along Nigeria’s Borgu-Kainji axis, with groups using forest routes and mass-casualty tactics that also spill into the Benin-Niger corridor. Public Safety: Edo NDLEA says it arrested 48 suspected drug traffickers in May and seized 541.47kg of drugs, including mostly cannabis. Energy & Mobility: Spiro secured $215m to expand electric mobility and battery-swapping infrastructure across African cities, betting on cleaner transport and energy security. Sports (Benin-linked): Benin’s Bendel Insurance booked a Federation Cup Round of 16 spot, setting up a clash with El-Kanemi Warriors.