AGP Executive Report

CAF Champions League: Edo Queens left Benin City for Burkina Faso, with Edo State Sports Commission chair Amadin Enabulele urging the champions to represent Nigeria and “conquer West Africa again.” Roads & Infrastructure: Nigeria’s FEC approved N438bn for nationwide road projects, including major border and East-West corridor works, plus trailer park concessions under PPPs. Elections & Peace: Ahead of 2027, presidential candidates and parties signed a National Peace Accord pledging issue-based campaigns and rejection of violence, hate speech and fake news. Cross-border Trade: NOPPMAN lifted its suspension on onion exports to Ghana, saying renewed talks resolved market reception and offloading issues at Kotoku. Power Sector: NERC transferred Akwa Ibom’s intrastate electricity regulation to a state regulator, continuing Nigeria’s decentralisation push. Security & Arms: Niger Police and NCCSALW moved over 11,000 recovered arms for destruction, while Niger State also saw arrests of suspected illegal miners. Health & Climate: Studies warn extreme heat risks for older people are worse than thought, with Niger flagged among vulnerable countries.

Sahel Security Diplomacy: Mali’s interim president Assimi Goïta thanked Russia for security support in a high-level phone call with Vladimir Putin, agreeing to keep coordinating on stability across the Sahara-Sahel. Arms Control: Niger State police said 11,000 recovered arms have been submitted to the small-arms control centre for destruction, aiming to stop weapons recirculating into criminal hands. Maternal Health: Niger’s government inaugurated N100m CEmONC equipment for emergency obstetric and newborn care at key hospitals in Bida to cut maternal and newborn deaths. Water Safety Alert: NSEMA warned of cracks and structural distress at Kangimi Dam, urging urgent technical assessment to prevent downstream flooding risks. Agriculture & Energy: Niger State called for affordable financing to help smallholders adopt solar irrigation, linking credit and technical support to expanded dry-season farming. Cross-border Trade: Nigeria’s onion exporters to Ghana resumed after consultations, with issues at Ghana’s Kotoku Market addressed. Sports: Niger Tornadoes named Hassan Mohammed as head coach of its feeder team as the club restructures. International Justice: The US sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, escalating pressure on the court.

Health & Maternal Care: Niger’s government has inaugurated N100m Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) equipment at key hospitals in Bida to speed treatment for obstetric emergencies and cut maternal and newborn deaths. Justice & Rights: Nigeria’s NHRC recorded 354,997 human rights complaints in July, up 20%, as it deepens a two-year partnership with Hope Behind Bars Africa to widen access to justice and digital rights. Security & Accountability: A mob in Minna, Niger State, beat and stabbed a man to death over alleged theft; police say four suspects were arrested, while other raids led to more arrests. Elections & Peace: Major political parties and presidential candidates signed a National Peace Accord for 2027, pledging issue-based campaigns and rejecting hate speech and violence, though Tinubu and Atiku were absent. Climate & Health Risk: A new study warns heat risks to older people are far worse than previously estimated, urging stronger protection as temperatures rise. Business & Connectivity: Airtel Nigeria says it has added over 1,000 cell sites and is nearing 18,000 total sites, pushing 4G coverage deeper into underserved areas. Regional Development: ECOWAS launched a $65,000 Startup Awards prize pool, with 60 entrepreneurs expected to compete across West Africa. Sports: Niger State says it needs N63m to participate in the 2026 National Sports Festival in Enugu.

Heat and health warning: A new US modeling study in The Lancet Planetary Health says climate-driven extreme heat will endanger older people at lower temperatures than previously estimated, with South Asia and the Persian Gulf among the most exposed and Niger flagged among countries facing high heat plus limited cooling access. Arms fuelling violence: Nigeria’s NCCSALW says illegal small arms in the North Central region are worsening banditry and kidnapping, pointing to forest hideouts, porous borders, and informants undermining security operations. Niger State clashes: Reports say more than 20 people were killed in communal violence between local groups in Niger State, with calls for stronger security presence to stop further attacks. Peace appeal in Niger State: The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora urged Kambari, Fulani and Bargawa communities to stop fighting and not take the law into their own hands after deadly clashes in Borgu/Agwara. Kidnapping update: An American Protestant missionary, Kevin Rideout, was released after nearly 10 months in captivity in Niger and is expected to reunite with his family soon. Telecom and connectivity: Nigeria and Burkina Faso discuss fibre corridors through Niger or via Benin to cut internet costs for landlocked Burkina Faso. ECOWAS startups: ECOWAS plans a Sept. 28 startup competition awarding $65,000 (N91m) across fintech, agri-tech, food systems and cleantech.

Heat and health: A new US study in The Lancet Planetary Health warns that climate change will expose older people to dangerous heat more often than previously thought, with Niger flagged among countries facing high heat plus poverty and limited cooling. Roads and governance: Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Works says the Benin–Onitsha road was already deteriorating before Tinubu’s administration, arguing current repairs are constrained by an existing concession deal. Security and terror: Suspected Lakurawa attackers killed about 30 worshippers during Friday prayers in Sokoto’s Kebbe area, the latest in a wave of attacks in northwest Nigeria. Kidnapping update (Niger): American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout was released after nine months in captivity in Niger, with reports pointing to Libyan forces led by Khalifa Haftar as key brokers. ECOWAS jobs for youth: ECOWAS announced 60 startups will compete for $65,000 (about N91m) in regional awards, with applications drawn from thousands across West Africa. Local politics (Niger State): A Niger APC chieftain warned Tinubu not to rely on governors and political elites for 2027, saying the Osun election showed they can’t deliver votes.

Sahel Human Rights Pressure: US Congressman James P. McGovern urged Washington to sanction officials in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger over alleged abuses by security forces, warning that rights violations fuel recruitment by armed groups. Niger Energy Push: Niger signed a US$1.9bn deal with Canada’s Zimar to build a 100,000-bpd refinery and petrochemical complex in Dosso, with construction set for 3 years and 13 years of operation before transfer to the state. Hostage Update: American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout, held in Niger for over nine months, has been released and is preparing to return to the US after reuniting with his wife, Krista. Regional Diplomacy & Security Claims: Russia’s Lavrov accused Ukraine of “state terrorism” tied to Sahel attacks and said Moscow will deepen security cooperation with ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States. Agriculture Monitoring in Togo: Togo published first SCORECARD results under the West Africa Food System Resilience Program, covering trade and farm performance across Niger and other countries. Local Loss in Niger State: Information Minister Mohammed Idris mourned Alhaji Ibrahim Wali, the Garkuwan Kontagora, praising his philanthropy and community service.

Hostage Release in Niger: American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout was freed after about nine months in captivity and is now in U.S. custody, with Trump saying he is set to fly home after being reunited with his wife. Security Pressure in the Sahel: Niger’s junta opponents, the MPLJ, claimed raids on mixed security bases in Seguedine, saying 15 soldiers were killed, while AFP noted no official confirmation. Counterterror Surrenders: Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters said hunger and sustained military offensives pushed 19 terrorists, including women and children, to surrender in Borno, alongside 40 rescued kidnap victims. Energy Deal for Niger: Niger signed a $1.9bn deal to build a 100,000-bpd mega-refinery in Dosso under a build-operate-transfer model, aiming to boost domestic supply and regional exports. Regional Fuel Cooperation: Algeria’s Sonatrach began first Jet A1 deliveries to Niger’s market via SONIDEP, strengthening cross-border aviation fuel supply. Infrastructure Integrity: Nigeria’s Benin–Onitsha road row resurfaced as the Works Ministry defended the concession terms and ongoing works against claims of neglect. Women, Farming and Protection: Women leaders in Niger State urged stronger government support for farming and tougher action against child trafficking and early marriage.

Lithium & Sahel Security: A new report warns that the rush for Sahel lithium is increasingly entangled with jihadist activity, insurgency and cross-border smuggling—fuelled by weak governance across Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Nigeria. Kidnapping Update (Niger): American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout, abducted in Niamey in October 2025, has been freed and is in good health in the care of U.S. officials, with his family set to be reunited soon. Armed Group Claim (Niger): The MPLJ says it killed 15 Niger security personnel in an attack in Séguédine, claiming clashes with a National Guard camp and police/gendarmerie agents, though authorities have not verified the figures. Energy Deal (Niger): Niger signed a $1.9bn agreement to build a 100,000-bpd refinery and petrochemical complex in Dosso under a build-operate-transfer plan, aiming to boost refining capacity and regional supply. Connectivity (DRC, via Airtel/Starlink): Airtel launched Africa’s first satellite-to-phone service in the DRC, letting compatible phones connect directly to Starlink for limited services like SMS and light data.

Kidnapping Fallout: American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout, abducted in Niger in October 2025, has been released and is now in “good health” in the care of U.S. officials, with his organization saying he will soon reunite with family; Sahel Security: Niger’s Army says it rescued nine kidnapped victims and disrupted terrorist infiltration attempts in Niger State, recovering weapons, motorcycles and livestock; International Diplomacy: Reuters reports eastern Libya’s commander Khalifa Haftar helped broker Rideout’s release, underscoring Sahel “security brokerage” networks; Terror Financing: UN experts say an estimated $50m ransom paid for a Mali hostage helped al-Qaeda-linked militants fund advances across West Africa; Regional Integration: Algeria and Niger have started drilling the Kafra oil well, as bilateral energy ties deepen; Politics & Power: IBB says no successful coup in Nigeria happened without civilian backing, including wealthy sponsors, while also revisiting the 1985 Mamman Vatsa case.

Kidnapping Update (Niger): American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout, abducted outside his Niamey home in October 2025, has been released after more than nine months in captivity and is now in U.S. custody, with SIM International saying he is in good health and will soon reunite with his family. Sahel Security: Reuters reports the release involved eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, who helped broker the deal tied to an Islamic State affiliate in the Sahel. Terror Financing (Mali): UN experts say an estimated $50m ransom paid for a hostage seized by al-Qaeda-linked militants in Mali in late 2025 helped fund advances across West Africa. Local Policing (Niger): Niger State Police arrested 139 suspects and arraigned 64 over an alleged violent rally in Suleja, recovering suspected cannabis and weapons. Regional Energy/Industry: Algeria and Niger move closer on cooperation, including drilling the Kafra oil well in Agadez and Algeria’s delivery of military helicopters and equipment.

Hostage Release in Niger: U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the release of American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout, kidnapped outside his Niamey home in October 2025, saying he is now back in U.S. custody and in good health; SIM International also said he will soon reunite with his family. Sahel Security & Ransom Claims: A UN report says a $50m ransom paid for a hostage in Mali helped fund al Qaeda-linked advances across West Africa, with regional sources pointing to the UAE as the payer. Libya’s Haftar Role: Reuters reports the eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar helped broker Rideout’s handover to eastern Libyan authorities, with sources adding that a ransom may have been paid. Niger Army Operations: Nigerian troops in Niger State said they rescued nine kidnapped victims in Mariga and cleared a terrorist ambush in Rijau, while also arresting suspects and recovering weapons and livestock. ECOWAS Border Push: ECOWAS engaged border communities at the Akanu-Noepe post to sensitise people on the Free Movement protocol along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor. Local Policing: Niger State police arrested 139 suspects in Suleja after violent rallies and criminal activity, with 64 arraigned.

Kidnapping Relief in Niger: American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout, abducted from Niamey on Oct. 21, 2025, has been released after more than nine months in captivity. SIM International says he is in good health and is now in the care of U.S. officials, with plans for him to reunite with his wife and children; details on how he was freed and who held him remain unclear. Sahel Security Lens: The release comes as Niger’s security crisis deepens, with jihadist-linked groups operating across the country and the U.S. having issued heightened travel warnings after the abduction. Regional Military Ties: Separately, Algeria has delivered four military helicopters to Niger, underscoring intensifying security cooperation amid ongoing attacks. Local Policing Update: Niger State police report arresting 139 suspects in Suleja after an alleged violent rally, with 64 later arraigned over weapons and suspected cannabis.

Kidnapping Relief: An American missionary pilot, Kevin Rideout, kidnapped in Niger in October, has reportedly been released and is en route back to the US, though details of who held him and how he was freed remain unclear. Health & Maternal Care: Niger State and UNICEF kick off a campaign to curb preventable diseases in mothers and newborn babies, using community mobilisers to reach families that miss antenatal care and immunisation. Flood Control Accountability: Niger State has spent only 6.2% of its N16bn flood and erosion control budget by end-June, with the disaster agency (NSEMA) receiving no allocation so far. Security on Niger Roads: Police recovered nine bodies on the Wawa-Lumma road in Borgu after a suspected bandit attack, days after a major rescue of kidnapping victims. Road Tragedy: A truck crash at Wuya village on the Bida-Mokwa Road killed 18 people and injured 22. Party Politics: Niger ADC’s choice of a governorship running mate sparks a split, with a faction rejecting the candidate. Telecom Expansion: Airtel Nigeria pushes past 17,000 cell sites, adding 1,000+ sites annually and extending 4G into underserved areas including Chimbi, Niger State.

Sahel Debt Spillover: A new study says conflict in one African country can raise neighbours’ government debt through cross-border spillovers, with military spending amplifying the impact. Mali–France Rift: Mali’s President Assimi Goita pardoned a Frenchman sentenced to 20 years over an alleged destabilisation plot, ordering him to leave the country. Russian Air Bridge: A report using flight-tracking data says Russian state-aligned forces ran at least 75 flights to the Central Sahel between Jan 2025 and July 2026, with Burkina Faso the biggest hub and Niger recording fewer flights. Niger Security Toll: Niger State police say nine bodies were recovered on the Wawa–Lumma road after a suspected bandit attack, days after a major rescue of 308 abducted people. Road Tragedy in Niger: A truck crash at Wuya village on the Bida–Mokwa road killed 18 and injured 22. Governance Pressure: Nigeria failed the US minimum fiscal transparency test for a second year, with Washington citing weak budget openness and audit independence. ECOWAS Startup Push: ECOWAS opened applications for a $65,000 Startup Awards prize, with Nigeria eligible and submissions closing Aug 31. Hajj Deadline in Niger State: Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board set Sept 20 for payment of 2027 Hajj deposits to avoid losing slots.

Flood Response in Niger State: Northern Senators Forum is urging federal and Niger State governments to stop treating Shiroro flooding as an annual emergency and instead adopt a permanent plan, including a Shiroro Flood Management Master Plan, independent review of dam operations (Shiroro, Kainji, Jebba), flood forecasting and early-warning systems, and floodplain resettlement with compensation and livelihood support. Security at Niger Power Infrastructure: The 31 Artillery Brigade commander ordered troops at the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant to stay vigilant and avoid distractions like unnecessary phone use, betting and gambling. Sahel Military Support: Algeria says it has delivered four helicopters (Mi-24V and Mi-171) and military equipment to Niger to strengthen defence cooperation. Bandit Attack Aftermath: Niger State police report nine bodies recovered from the Wawa-Lumma road in Borgu after a suspected bandit attack, with clearance operations intensified. Child Abuse Sentencing: A Minna court jailed a man for 13 years and ordered 20 strokes for sexually abusing a 10-year-old, plus ₦250,000 compensation. Football Tragedy and Rumours: Katsina United confirmed defender Chinedu Ozor’s death after a collapse during a pre-season friendly, while repeatedly denying claims he regained consciousness in the mortuary. Media Rights Watch: MFWA calls on Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Guinea to end arbitrary arrests and prolonged detention of journalists and civil society actors.

Banditry in Niger State: Police say nine bodies were recovered on the Wawa-Lumma road in Borgu LGA, after suspected bandit killings of travellers; police and military teams evacuated the remains and intensified clearance operations. Football shock in Katsina: Katsina United insists defender Chinedu Ozor did not “come back to life” after being pronounced dead following a collapse in a pre-season friendly; the club says reports of movement in the mortuary are false, while Ozor remains in intensive care. Security ties: Algeria has delivered four military helicopters and equipment to Niger as both countries deepen cooperation against jihadist violence and cross-border crime. Regional travel ease: From Jan 1, 2027, Nigerians will enter Chad and the Republic of the Congo visa-free, as both states remove entry visa requirements for African nationals. ECOWAS support for startups: ECOWAS opened applications for its $65,000 Startup Awards (60 startups across six sectors), with Nigerian entrepreneurs eligible until Aug 31. Climate pressure: New data says nearly 900 million people in Sahel and beyond faced the hottest July on record, worsening drought and wildfire risks.