AGP Executive Report

Cross-Border Crime: Ogun police say they foiled an attempt to smuggle a stolen 28-seater Toyota Coaster bus into Benin Republic, arresting two suspects (a driver and his guarantor) after intercepting the vehicle at Idiroko’s Babaloke area and immobilising it by shooting out a tyre. Sports—NWFL Title Race: Edo Queens coach Moses Aduku urged his players to stay focused as Edo Queens moved to the top of the table with a 2-1 win over Rivers Angels, setting up a winner-takes-all final-day showdown against defending champions Bayelsa Queens. Regional Tech & Security: Nigeria won the $10,000 grand prize at the 4th ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon 2026 in Accra, with teams tackling ransomware, phishing, fraud and threats to critical infrastructure. Trade Finance for Benin: EBRD approved a $20m trade finance line for Bank of Africa-Benin to boost import-export operations and help Beninese firms access regional and international markets. UN Appointments: UN Secretary-General António Guterres named Nigerian development expert Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, succeeding Cristina Duarte. Public Health: Edo reports 15 Lassa fever deaths since February 2026, with 82 confirmed cases out of 1,163 suspected. Climate Advocacy: A 50-cyclist Lagos-to-West-Africa ride (through Benin, Ghana and Togo) launched to promote climate action and low-emissions transport.

Trade & Finance: The EBRD has approved a $20 million trade finance line for Bank of Africa-Benin (BOA-BENIN) to back imports, exports and strategic goods, and to help Beninese firms expand into regional and international markets. Security & Borders: Ogun State police say they foiled a cross-border vehicle smuggling plan in Idiroko, arresting two men and recovering a stolen 28-seater Toyota Coaster bus allegedly meant for illegal sale in Benin Republic. Diplomacy & Regional Profile: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Nigerian development expert Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, succeeding Cristina Duarte. Public Health: Edo State reports Lassa fever has killed 15 people since February, with 82 confirmed cases out of 1,163 suspected. Sports & Youth: The Nigeria Tennis Federation praised the successful ITF J30 Junior Circuit Championship in Abuja, featuring players from Benin Republic and other countries. Education Integrity: NABTEB says it is using technology and stronger ties with ICPC to curb exam malpractice.

Edo Lassa Fever Update: Edo State says Lassa fever has killed 15 people since February, with 1,163 suspected cases and 82 confirmed, blaming late hospital presentation while assuring treatment capacity at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. Exams Integrity Drive: NABTEB says it is using technology-driven monitoring and pushing stronger ICPC collaboration to curb examination malpractice. UN Africa Leadership: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appoints Nigerian Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, replacing Cristina Duarte, with nearly 30 years of UN experience. NWFL Super Six Finale: The NWFL playoff reaches its climax Sunday with Edo Queens, Bayelsa Queens and Nasarawa Amazons in the title race, setting up a key Edo Queens vs Bayelsa Queens showdown. Drug Crackdown in Edo: NDLEA destroys 73,463.21kg of illicit drugs worth N2.8bn in Benin City, including large quantities of cannabis and psychotropics like tramadol. West Africa Trade Push: ECOWAS ministers in Accra back “mine together, process together” to add value to minerals and boost intra-regional trade under AfCFTA.

Climate & Mobility: Fifty cyclists launched “Tour D’Afrique 2026 7.0” from Lagos, riding 1,110km through Benin, Ghana and Togo to push zero-emission transport and climate action. Regional Trade & Industry: ECOWAS ministers in Accra backed “mine together, process together,” urging value-add factories and better transport to lift intra-African trade. Security & Schools in Edo: Edo reopened schools shut over kidnap threats after security reviews, with officials citing improved protection measures. Drug Crackdown in Edo: NDLEA destroyed 73,463.21kg of illicit drugs in Benin City, including large quantities of cannabis and psychotropics, worth about ₦2.8bn. Courts in Benin City: An Edo High Court sentenced five people to death by hanging over the abduction and murder of lawyer Iyoha Osobase, acquitting one defendant. Human Trafficking Attempt: A toddler trafficking deal worth ₦3m was stopped in Edo after community security operatives arrested a couple and rescued the child. Gambling Losses: Ghana’s lottery regulator warned illegal gambling drains over GH¢1bn yearly, with Benin also cited among affected markets.

Democracy Day in Edo: Edo Assembly Speaker Blessing Agbebaku urged Nigerians to uphold national values, protect cultural heritage and build a people-centred democracy as the country marks “27 Years of Uninterrupted Democratic Rule.” Security and schools in Edo: Governor Monday Okpebholo said democracy means little without safe sleep, and DSS warned of a planned mass abduction of schoolchildren—prompting the temporary closure of three schools in Akoko-Edo, praised by Senator Joseph Ikpea. Court verdict in Benin City: An Edo High Court sentenced five people to death by hanging over the 2020 abduction and murder of lawyer Iyoha Osobase, while one defendant was acquitted for lack of evidence. Anti-drug push: NDLEA destroyed 73,463.21kg of illicit drugs in Edo worth about ₦2.8bn, mainly cannabis, alongside tramadol and other psychotropics. Regional integration: AfCFTA chief Wamkele Mene said intra-African trade could hit $250bn in 2026, while ECOWAS-backed cybersecurity drills in Accra tested regional teams. Tech for Benin: Google expanded “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Benin and other African markets.

AfCFTA & Trade: AfCFTA chief Wamkele Mene says intra-African trade is on track to hit $250bn in 2026 (up from $220bn in 2025), urging countries to deepen regional commerce as global shocks bite. ECOWAS Digital Security: A Ghana-based firm, 00SEC, designed the challenges for the ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon in Accra, with teams from 12 member states competing for regional cyber defenses. Drugs & Enforcement in Edo: NDLEA destroyed 73,463kg of illicit drugs worth about ₦2.8bn in Edo, including large quantities of cannabis and tramadol, after court orders. Edo Courts & Justice: An Edo High Court sentenced five people to death by hanging over the kidnapping and murder of lawyer Omo-Iyoha, while one suspect was discharged. Security & Schools in Edo: DSS warned of a plot to abduct schoolchildren; Edo leaders responded by closing threatened schools. Human Trafficking Attempt: A couple was arrested in Edo for trying to sell a two-year-old toddler for ₦3m, with the child rescued. Benin Tech Access: Google expands Ask Gemini in Chrome to Benin and other African markets. Regional Economy: EBRD approved a $20m trade line for BOA-Benin to support import-export and private sector activity.

School Security in Edo: The DSS warned of a planned mass abduction of schoolchildren in Edo North, prompting early school closures and fresh calls for protection of students. Forest Guards Recruitment: Edo State says it has started training 500 forest guards, with plans to recruit another 500 to reach 1,000, targeting kidnappers and securing forests and farmlands. Teacher Salary Claims Denied: Edo officials dismissed reports that teachers are being owed salaries as misleading and politically motivated, urging specific complaints for investigation. Road Works Watch: Works Minister David Umahi inspected the Lokoja–Benin corridor and warned contractors against delays, saying underperformance will face consequences. Environment Partnership: Governor Okpebholo pledged closer collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Environment to tackle encroachment in national parks. Illegal Gambling Crackdown: Nigeria’s lottery regulator urged stronger action against illegal gambling, citing losses affecting countries including Benin. World Cup 2026 Kickoff: Mexico open the tournament against South Africa, with Benin highlighted in the qualifying context. Tech for Africa: Google’s Ask Gemini in Chrome rollout expands to Benin alongside Kenya and Nigeria. Sports (Edo): Edo Queens thrashed Abia Angels 6-2 in the NWFL Super Six.

Edo School Security: Edo State ordered the closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo after DSS intelligence warned of a planned mass abduction of students, with candidates allowed to sit WASSCE under tight security. Road Accountability: Works Minister David Umahi threatened to terminate the Lokoja–Benin road contract over slow progress, saying reported work does not match what is on the ground. Rural Protection Push: Edo began recruiting 1,000 forest guards to secure forests, farmlands and border corridors against kidnappers and criminals. Youth Drug Crackdown: Edo also vowed tougher enforcement as officials flagged rising youth drug abuse, linking it to growing crime. Weather Watch: Ghana’s GMet warned thunderstorms and heavy rain as storm systems from Nigeria and Benin move west, raising flood and wind risks. Football & Money: Bendel Insurance’s Alex Oweilayefa signed a new deal to 2029, while FIFA’s $355m windfall will benefit Enyimba and Remo Stars for releasing players during World Cup qualifiers. Digital Security: Benin joined a 12-nation ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon in Accra, pushing practical defenses against cybercrime. Benin Politics: Benin’s president Romuald Wadagni took early actions in his first 15 days, including regional visits and new social initiatives.

Parliamentary Diplomacy: Benin’s National Assembly appointed new Parliamentary Friendship Group directives, including a Benin-designated president, aiming to deepen international cooperation. Security & Schools: Edo State ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo after DSS intelligence warned of a planned mass abduction of students in Edo North, with candidates allowed to sit WASSCE under strict security. Police Action: Edo Police arrested four suspects over an alleged self-kidnapping plot after a ₦50m ransom demand and staged videos; one suspect was caught during surveillance around a school. Telecom & Broadband: Nigeria’s telecom regulator NCC says operators deployed 5,000 new network sites and extended fibre to 700+ sites, while fixed broadband subscriptions rose sharply, pushing fibre expansion to ease mobile congestion. Energy Trade: Nigeria exported solar panels worth N85.8bn in Q1 2026, with the US as top buyer, signaling a shift toward regional renewable energy supply. Labour Rules (Kuwait): Kuwait restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries (including Benin) and banned 27 others, tightening the Gulf labour corridor. Sports (Women’s U-17): Nigeria’s Flamingos return to camp Sunday for the Benin Republic qualifying clash after crushing Guinea 11-0 on aggregate. Football (Edo): Edo Queens climbed the NWFL Super Six playoff table after a 6-2 win over Abia Angels. Business/Finance (EFCC): EFCC operatives in Benin questioned a banker and a bureau de change operator over alleged $2.5m money laundering.

Security Overhaul: Nigeria’s IGP Olatunji Disu has approved deploying Deputy Inspectors-General to the six geopolitical zones and ordered coordinated inter-state “handshake patrols” from June 15 to curb cross-border crime, as the House of Reps summons service chiefs and the NSA over escalating violence. Edo Politics & Insecurity: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo used an APC campaign flag-off in Benin City to demand the immediate, unconditional release of abducted victims and warned that no party can win power through kidnapping or banditry. Drug Crackdown Ahead of Polls: NDLEA says it will intensify targeted raids on drug flashpoints in Edo before, during and after the July 11 local government elections to prevent drug-fuelled electoral violence. EFCC Financial Probe: Benin Zonal EFCC operatives interrogated a banker and a bureau de change operator over an alleged $2.5m fraud and money laundering scheme involving cash payments above legal thresholds. Health & Safety Watch: A viral case in Edo alleges “ritual infanticide” after a mother reportedly threw a disabled five-year-old into a river on instructions from a self-acclaimed seer in Benin City. Regional Tech & Trade: WATAF highlights West Africa’s push for digital tax modernization, while Kuwait’s new domestic worker recruitment rules now allow hiring from Benin and 9 other countries but ban 27 others.

UNIBEN Success Stories: A University of Benin graduate went viral after sharing her JAMB score (238) and CGPA journey, including a final 4.87/5.00 and overall best student status in Medical Laboratory Science. Sports & Youth: Ukana Tennis Club presented a trophy to Edo Sports Commissioner Elder Paul Bassey, highlighting its tennis academy and calls for more government support. Public Safety: Edo police arrested a woman and three others over a staged kidnapping plot meant to extort ₦50 million from her family, using ransom calls and captivity videos. Education & Exams: UTME candidates say JAMB excluded them from the mop-up exam despite reported CBT technical glitches, calling it their “last hope.” Regional Policy: WATAF says Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Senegal are reforming how digital services are taxed, with support for tools and training to help governments collect revenue. Security Cooperation: Nigeria and Benin troops conducted joint patrols in Cotonou to curb insecurity.

Border Security: Nigerian Army and Benin National Guard carried out a joint night patrol in Cotonou to curb cross-border insecurity and transnational crime, reporting no incidents during the operation. Human Trafficking Crackdown: NAPTIP and GAHTO rescued trafficked Nigerian girls allegedly lured to Mali, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire under false job promises, exposing forced exploitation and debt bondage. Fake Kidnap Fraud: Ogun police arrested eight foreign nationals running a staged self-kidnapping scheme to extort money from families abroad, including suspects from Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Côte d’Ivoire and Benin. Drug Seizures: NDLEA intercepted over 320,000 tramadol capsules hidden under building materials in Taraba and arrested a 75-year-old suspect in Ebonyi amid wider multi-state operations. Local Governance & Culture: Edo Ohanaeze Ndigbo banned unauthorised Igbo monarchical titles outside Igboland, citing cultural rules and a court reference, while urging respect for recognised authorities. Visa & Mobility: Reports say US visa processing in Africa could be reduced to fewer regional hubs, raising concerns for applicants and relatives. Energy & Business: TCN rejected claims of transmission grid constraints, while Spiro secured $215m to expand electric mobility and battery-swapping across markets including Benin.

Cross-border Crime Crackdown: Ogun State police arrested eight foreign nationals over a fake kidnap-and-ransom scheme, including suspects from Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Côte d’Ivoire and Benin, after a report that a man abroad was threatened to pay ransom. Drugs Seizures: NDLEA intercepted 320,840 tramadol capsules and other opioids hidden under building materials in Taraba, and also arrested a 75-year-old in Ebonyi in separate operations. Edo Security & Politics: Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo urged intensified prayers against kidnapping and cultism as insecurity rises ahead of 2027, while a former lawmaker, Hon. Sergius Ogun, demanded public accounting over alleged trillions saved from subsidy removals. Human Trafficking Rescue: NSCDC paraded 24 trafficking victims and three suspects in Badagry, including victims from Benin Republic and Togo. Local Life: Fire gutted parts of a supermarket in Benin City, with officials suspecting a fault in rooftop solar panels. Business & Jobs: Skyewise says it has invested over N9 billion in Edo and created 100+ jobs at its new headquarters in Benin City.

Benin–Sahel Diplomacy: Benin’s newly sworn-in President Romuald Wadagni has moved fast on foreign outreach, visiting Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu, then Niger’s Abdourahamane Tiani, and Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré, as regional insecurity and cross-border banditry stay top of mind. Drug War: NDLEA says it seized huge opioid consignments hidden under building materials in Taraba (320,840 tramadol capsules, pentazocine, rohypnol, codeine syrup) and arrested a 22-year-old suspect; it also nabbed a 75-year-old in Ebonyi with 300g of skunk and arrested female drug dealers across Edo, Imo, Kano and Gombe. Public Safety & Misinformation: Edo police arrested “Aza Woman” (Uzebor Emmanuel) for spreading false claims that students were kidnapped in Benin City, warning that fake security reports can spark panic and mislead responders. Fire Incident: A fire gutted parts of a supermarket in Benin City, with goods worth millions reportedly destroyed. Labour Rights: Nigeria’s labour congress takes workers’ rights abuses to the ILO, alleging union interference and discrimination.

False Kidnapping Alarm Crackdown (Edo): Edo State Police arrested “Aza Woman” (Uzebor Emmanuel) for spreading viral, false claims that students were abducted from Green Park Academy and Western Boys’ College in Benin City, warning that misinformation on public safety can spark panic and divert security resources. Drug Trafficking Busts (Nigeria): NDLEA reported major seizures and arrests, including 320,840 tramadol capsules and other opioids found hidden under building materials in Taraba, plus a 75-year-old suspect in Ebonyi and multiple female traffickers in Edo, Imo, Kano and Gombe. Benin–Côte d’Ivoire Diplomacy: Beninese President Romuald Wadagni visited Côte d’Ivoire to reaffirm ties and push stronger coordination on West Africa’s security and economic challenges. Regional Security Cooperation (Niger): Nigeria and Benin Republic forces repelled a terrorist ambush in Niger State and detonated multiple IEDs along a withdrawal route, arresting a suspected terrorist informant. Heritage & Tourism (Benin): In Ouidah, China-backed redevelopment is turning the former slave port into a waterfront tourism complex linked to the “Slave Route” and memorial sites. World Cup Focus: South Africa’s World Cup earnings outlook and a guide to the 48-team tournament dominated sports coverage ahead of the June 11 kickoff.

Benin–Côte d’Ivoire Diplomacy: Benin’s newly sworn-in President Romuald Wadagni paid a working visit to Côte d’Ivoire, with both leaders pledging stronger coordination on trade, infrastructure, energy and regional security. Tourism & Heritage: In Ouidah, China-backed works are set to turn the former slave-trade port into a waterfront tourism hub, linking the La Marina complex to the historic “Slave Route” and the “Gate of No Return.” Regional Security Cooperation: Nigeria and Benin Republic forces repelled a terrorist ambush in Niger State and detonated multiple IEDs along a troops withdrawal route, while also arresting a suspected terrorist informant. Sports (Benin): Benin and Niger played a 1-1 draw in an international friendly, with Niger equalising late. Environment & Public Health: A new global drinking-water assessment highlights unsafe water risks across Africa, underscoring the need for better water and sanitation systems.