AGP Executive Report

School Security Crisis: Nigeria’s terror threat keeps hitting classrooms hard—after Oyo State’s Oriire attack that killed a teacher and left 39 pupils abducted, Borno State now reports 42 missing children taken from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School and nearby homes, with parents in panic and no clear rescue timeline yet. Counterterrorism Spotlight: In the same week, Nigeria and the US announced the killing of ISIS/ISWAP’s global second-in-command, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in a Lake Chad operation—major for headlines, but rights groups warn it won’t end abductions without sustained strategy. Military Accountability: Fresh concern is rising over civilian harm from air operations, with human rights voices pointing to repeated market and community deaths and demanding stronger safeguards. Sahel Pressure: Analysts keep asking whether the Sahel is “about to fall,” as insurgencies spread and state control weakens. Politics & Governance: APC House of Reps primaries across states produced winners and disputes ahead of 2027, while calls for state police grow louder amid insecurity. Health Reality Check: Malaria coverage expands, but Nigeria still carries the world’s heaviest burden—nets and clean-up aren’t enough against resistance and funding gaps.

School Kidnappings Escalate: Terrorists abducted 42 schoolchildren in Mussa, Askira-Uba LGA, Borno—32 taken from Government Day Primary/Junior Secondary School and 10 seized from nearby homes—hours after a major Lake Chad Basin operation reportedly killed ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. Counterterrorism Spotlight: Nigeria and the US said the strike was “meticulously planned,” with Trump and Tinubu praising the joint effort, but rights groups and analysts warn one kill won’t stop the wider terror wave. Political Response: Tinubu condemned the killing of an abducted Oyo teacher and urged the National Assembly to review laws to enable state police—while lawmakers and activists push for faster rescue and better security readiness. Regional Context: The Sahel’s instability keeps deepening, with Mali’s security strain and France’s shifting Africa strategy under fresh debate as violence and coups reshape the region. Niger Watch: In Niger State, APC politics continues with consensus moves and prayer rallies ahead of 2027 primaries.

Lake Chad Counterterror Strike: Nigeria and the U.S. say they killed ISIS’s global second-in-command, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in a joint operation around the Lake Chad Basin—an event hailed by security voices as a major blow, but also raising fears of retaliation. Borno School Abduction Crisis: Hours after the strike announcement, suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters reportedly abducted 42 schoolchildren in Askira-Uba, Mussa—32 taken from the school and 10 seized from nearby homes—renewing urgent calls for faster rescue and stronger school protection. APC Politics Heat Up: Across states, APC House of Reps primaries produced winners, consensus picks, and disputes, with Niger State politics also seeing faith-backed mobilization ahead of the next round. Niger Community Hardship: In Niger State, communities are still counting losses after a windstorm that destroyed homes and left a child dead. Regional Power Shifts: The week also kept spotlight on Sahel security and foreign influence, including debates around Russia’s growing cultural and military footprint.

ISIS Strike, Then the Fear: The US and Nigeria say they killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s “second-in-command,” in a joint operation around the Lake Chad region—yet the same week also brought fresh terror pressure, with suspected militants abducting 42 pupils in Borno (Askira-Uba), reigniting worries about school safety. Courtroom Fight: Boko Haram bomber Kabiru Sokoto has appealed his life sentence, arguing delays were caused by transfers and the deaths of his lawyers. Politics in Motion: Niger State’s APC politics heats up as Saidu Musa Abdullahi emerges as a consensus candidate for 2027, while across states the party runs House primaries and pushes for unity. Sahel Power Shifts: France’s Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi spotlights a changing French strategy and growing pushback. Everyday Strain: Inflation in Nigeria climbs to 15.69% in April, driven by food and transport costs. Niger Stories: Communities in Niger State are still counting losses after a deadly windstorm, and faith leaders are holding prayers for political leaders ahead of primaries.

Terror & school abductions: Suspected jihadists in Nigeria’s Borno State reportedly abducted 42 schoolchildren from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba, with parents saying the raid happened within minutes as troops had left town. Counterterrorism headline: In a major joint US-Nigeria operation, leaders say ISIS’s second-in-command, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, was killed in the Lake Chad Basin—an event officials call a heavy blow, but analysts warn retaliation and wider insecurity remain. Human rights pressure: Nigeria’s NHRC is demanding answers from the Nigerian Air Force over repeated civilian deaths tied to airstrikes in places like Yobe, Niger and Zamfara. Politics & faith: In Niger State, APC primaries are being preceded by special prayer sessions for Tinubu, Gov Bago and Sen. Sani Musa, while APC aspirants sign peace accords to curb violence. France-Africa spotlight: Nairobi hosts the France–Africa summit, but protests and skepticism keep the focus on whether “partnership” is replacing old influence.

School Kidnappings in Borno: Suspected jihadists abducted dozens of pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba, with reports putting the missing at about 42 (35–43), after attackers arrived on motorcycles while classes were in session. Counterterror Strike: In a major joint operation, the US and Nigeria say they killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described by Trump as ISIS’s second-in-command and “the most active terrorist,” in an operation linked to the Lake Chad Basin. Ongoing School Panic: A day after the Borno abduction reports, families and communities are still searching for the missing children. Oil & Gas Push: Nigeria’s oil and gas output gains are being credited to cooperation with communities, surveillance firms, and security, with claims of improved crude and gas production. Inflation Pressure: Nigeria’s inflation climbed to 15.69% in April as food and transport costs rose. Human Rights Scrutiny: Nigeria’s NHRC is demanding answers over repeated civilian deaths tied to airstrikes, including market bombings in Yobe, Niger, and Zamfara.

Counterterror Strike: US President Donald Trump says American and Nigerian forces killed ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a “meticulously planned” operation, though the location wasn’t disclosed. Kidnapping Pressure: In Kwara, a pastor says bandits are still holding his wife despite a N20m ransom, with demands reportedly rising to N300m. School Attack: Terrorists struck three Oyo schools in Orire LGA, killing an assistant headmaster and abducting pupils and teachers, triggering a manhunt. Airstrike Accountability: The NHRC is demanding explanations from the Nigerian Air Force over repeated civilian deaths tied to airstrikes, as the Tumfa market tragedy in Zamfara fuels fresh calls for independent probes. Economy Watch: Nigeria’s inflation climbed to 15.69% in April, driven by food and transport costs. Politics Ahead of Primaries: APC aspirants in Niger State signed a peace accord to keep the May 15 primaries violence-free. France-Africa Tensions: Nairobi hosts the France–Africa “Africa Forward” summit, while protesters and critics question France’s shifting strategy and credibility.

Airstrike Accountability: Nigeria’s NHRC is demanding answers from the Nigerian Air Force over repeated civilian deaths tied to airstrikes, naming Jilli Market (Yobe), Shiroro Market (Niger) and Tumfa Market (Zamfara) as fresh flashpoints. Zamfara Market Shock: Locals and rights groups say the Tumfa weekly market bombing killed dozens to over 100, while the military disputes the casualty claims—now the UN is also calling for independent probes. Cost Pressure on Nigerians: Inflation climbed to 15.69% in April as food, transport, hospitality and healthcare costs rose, even as monthly price growth slowed. Politics, With a Peace Try: Ahead of Niger State APC primaries, aspirants signed a peace accord to curb religious/ethnic incitement and violence. France–Africa Tensions: Nairobi’s France–Africa “Africa Forward” summit is drawing pushback as critics question France’s pivot to Anglophone Africa and its credibility on sovereignty and security.

Zamfara Market Shock: A controversial Nigerian airstrike on Tumfa market in Zurmi has left scores dead, with local claims pushing the toll into the dozens and even over 100, as the military denies civilian deaths and the UN and rights groups demand independent probes. Human Rights Pushback: The NHRC has now formally questioned the Nigerian Air Force over repeated market bombings in Yobe, Niger and Zamfara, warning that the pattern is incompatible with constitutional and humanitarian rules. France–Africa Tension: In Nairobi, Macron’s France–Africa “Africa Forward” summit is underway with 30 leaders, but protesters and pan-African groups are challenging the pivot as imperialism, while France doubles down on “partnership” and investment. Niger Politics & Health: Ahead of Niger APC primaries, aspirants sign a peace accord; meanwhile, the Etsu Nupe Foundation delivers free cataract care to 600 indigents in Niger.

Nigerian Air War Under Fire: The UN human rights chief Volker Türk is demanding independent probes after reports that Nigerian airstrikes hit Zamfara’s Tumfa market, killing at least 100 civilians, while Nigeria’s military denies “credible” proof—adding fresh pressure as the NHRC also questions NAF over repeated market casualties in Yobe, Niger and Zamfara. France–Africa Summit Backlash: In Nairobi, Macron and Ruto wrapped the “Africa Forward” summit with big promises and soft diplomacy, but protesters and pan-African groups say it’s a pivot that still serves imperial interests—fueling arrests and louder resistance. Sahel Security & Education Moves: Russia and Mali are discussing engineering classes across Sahel states, even as Mali’s crisis deepens and regional terror threats keep shifting. Local Life, Real Needs: Niger’s Etsu Nupe Foundation delivered free cataract care to 600 indigents, while Southwest Nigeria’s counterfeit economy report warns of a deadly shadow market.

UN Accountability Push: The UN human rights chief Volker Turk is demanding independent probes after reports that Nigerian airstrikes hit a Zamfara market killing at least 100 civilians, while Chadian jets reportedly killed dozens of fishermen—both militaries deny civilian deaths. Local Crackdown: In Kano, Hisbah arrested a fish seller and two women over alleged “immoral conduct,” with claims they were renting rooms for prostitution. Sahel Security Spotlight: Analysts warn Africa’s terror epicenter is shifting further into the region as Mali’s al-Qaeda-linked JNIM expands and territorial control becomes the new playbook. France–Africa Reset Under Fire: In Nairobi, Macron’s Africa Forward Summit is pitching “partnership of equals” and €23bn investment, but backlash is growing—Pan-African groups are pushing back and Macron even scolded a noisy youth forum, turning a diplomatic moment into a viral headache. Niger State Politics: ADC governorship aspirant Mohammed Kpautagi picked nomination forms, promising action on insecurity and water scarcity.

France–Africa Summit Fallout: Macron wrapped up the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi with a jab at Kenya’s Ruto—“crazy” to co-chair, but “delivered”—while also defending a €23bn investment pitch meant to move beyond colonial baggage. Information War: Mali’s minister dismissed Western talk of a “Bamako blockade,” saying French media pushed a PR campaign; the dispute adds fuel to wider Sahel tensions. Regional Security Push: ECOWAS lawmakers in Abuja debated a “Compact of the Future of Regional Integration,” aiming to shift from “states” to “peoples” with tighter security and faster trade. Niger Spotlight: In Niger State politics, ADC governorship aspirant Kpautagi picked nomination forms, promising action on insecurity and water scarcity. Human Cost of Airstrikes: UN rights chief Volker Türk urged independent probes after reports of deadly Nigerian and Chadian air attacks killing civilians, including a Zamfara market incident. Local Relief: Niger State troops rescued a woman and four children after an ambush operation.

France–Africa Summit in Nairobi: Emmanuel Macron and Kenya’s William Ruto opened the two-day “Africa Forward” talks, pitching €23bn in investment and a “sovereignty-first” partnership—while Macron’s on-stage scolding of a noisy youth forum went viral, undercutting the reset message. Pan-African pushback: Activists and groups like PASAI are using the summit to argue France is still trying to regain influence after losing ground in the Sahel. Sahel power struggle: Separate reporting keeps spotlighting how Russia’s reach is growing—through the Russian Orthodox Church and the Africa Corps mercenary model—while Mali’s setbacks raise doubts about that approach. Niger-focused security: In Niger State, families and officials are trading claims after alleged airstrikes—one report says three children died in Shiroro, while the military denies civilian deaths. Road safety reform: Nigeria’s FRSC has started leadership training for 305 senior officers nationwide. Education leadership change: JAMB Registrar Oloyede is set to step down after 10 years.

France–Africa Reset in Nairobi: Macron’s “Africa Forward” summit is underway in Kenya, with France pledging €23bn for energy, digital/AI, maritime and agriculture, and promising co-investment and “sovereignty” after Sahel setbacks. Diplomacy With Friction: A viral moment marred the event when Macron scolded a noisy youth forum at the University of Nairobi, saying it showed “total lack of respect.” Anti-French Push: Pan-African voices, including Timi Frank, are urging leaders to reject new France deals and deepen ties with the U.S., arguing France has delivered little beyond decades of influence. Niger State Fallout: In Nigeria’s Niger State, reports claim an airstrike in Shiroro killed civilians including three children, while the military denies civilian deaths and says it hit bandit hideouts. Regional Security & Movement: ECOWAS ministers backed a plan for tighter border and migration controls across West Africa, including connected information systems.

Niger State Tragedy: A father in Shiroro, Niger State, says three of his children were killed in a military airstrike, while residents claim more than a dozen civilians died—claims the Niger State authorities and Nigeria’s Defence HQ deny, insisting strikes hit only bandit hideouts. Regional Security: The same day, Nigeria reported more airstrike activity tied to bandit attacks, as families and rights groups push for independent probes. Captives Freed: In Niger State, a former SUBEB chairman, Alhassan Bawa-Niworo, regained freedom after months in bandits’ custody—relief for a family that reportedly paid ransom. France–Africa Reset: In Nairobi, Macron is hosting the Africa Forward Summit, promising €23bn investment and a less France-centric approach, even as youth forum noise and pan-African backlash show tensions aren’t gone. Education Tension: ASUU warns another strike could hit if the 2025 agreement is still implemented “distorted and uncoordinated.” Migration Pressure: ECOWAS pushes biometric border surveillance and tighter migration controls across West Africa.

France–Africa Summit in Nairobi: Macron lands in Kenya for the May 11–12 “Africa Forward” summit, pitching €23bn in energy, digital/AI, maritime and agriculture deals—while critics in Kenya and across the continent call it a repackaging of imperialism and stage a counter-summit. Diplomacy meets friction: Macron even cut short a youth forum after delegates got noisy, saying it was “a total lack of respect.” Sahel security shock: In Nigeria, AFP reports around 100 civilians killed in a day of fighting—Nigerian airstrikes hit a Zamfara market, while Amnesty and families accuse both sides of civilian deaths; the Defence HQ denies it. Regional migration clampdown: ECOWAS pushes biometric border surveillance and a harmonised migration plan after ministers meet in Abidjan. Niger local relief: A former Niger SUBEB chairman is freed after months in captivity, bringing brief relief amid ongoing bandit kidnappings. Extremism focus: Mali’s jihadist surge and al-Qaeda’s Sahel push remain the week’s biggest warning story.