AGP Executive Report

Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline: Algeria has launched construction of its section of the $13bn Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, with welding starting from the Niger border toward Aoulef and onward to Hassi R’Mel—aimed at moving over 20 billion cubic metres of gas annually to Europe. Power Sector: In Niger State, Nigeria’s TCN has handed Mainstream Energy Solutions access to build two 330kV bays at the Kainji Transmission Substation to boost evacuation capacity by 220MW. Security in Niger State: Troops under Operation Savannah Shield arrested five suspected bandit/terrorist informants in Niger State, recovering phones, cash and propaganda materials. Health & Nutrition: Niger State secured a US-backed UNICEF/USA grant to prevent malnutrition in more than 36,000 women and children across 13 LGAs, with plans to scale to all 25. Education Under Threat: Nigeria’s teachers’ union warned that insecurity and school attacks are spreading, citing incidents in Kebbi and Niger State. Sahel Diplomacy: Niger’s President Tiani’s Türkiye visit signals a new “equal partnership” model, with deals spanning education, health and defense cooperation.

Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline: Algeria’s SONATRACH has broken ground on its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, linking Nigeria through Niger to Algeria’s Hassi R’Mel, with the full project expected to run about 4,128 km and move an estimated 20–30 billion cubic metres of gas annually—an export push aimed at Europe. Security Push in Niger State: Joint Task Force Operation Savannah Shield arrested five suspected bandit/terrorist informants in Niger State, recovering phones, cash, and propaganda materials, including alleged links to a Kaduna abduction and ransom claims. Insecurity and Abductions Debate: A fresh commentary on schoolchild abductions argues Nigeria’s attention is uneven, contrasting the Borno case with louder reactions to other kidnappings. Humanitarian Warning: The International Rescue Committee warns that the Iran conflict and other crises are accelerating displacement and food insecurity while disrupting aid operations. PDP Court Fight: The PDP BoT, led by Adolphus Wabara, sued INEC seeking recognition of its interim NWC after appellate court setbacks. Power Sector Update: TCN handed Mainstream Energy Solutions site access for two 330kV evacuation bays at Kainji, targeting 220MW grid addition.

Health Coverage Push: Togo’s CNSS launched a nationwide drive to issue Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards for retired workers and eligible dependents, with registration running until Oct 15 and full benefits from Jan 1, 2026. PDP Court Battle: PDP BoT chair Adolphus Wabara and allies sued INEC at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding recognition of the party’s interim NWC after a Court of Appeal ruling. Security in Niger State: JTF Operation Savannah Shield arrested five suspected bandit/terror informants in Niger State, recovering phones, cash and propaganda linked to kidnappings. Power Upgrade in Niger: TCN handed Mainstream Energy site access to build two 330kV evacuation bays at Kainji, targeting 220MW grid capacity by Dec. Sahel Geopolitics: A new analysis says the Sahel has shifted from French-led counterinsurgency to a wider geopolitical contest, with Russia gaining influence after France’s drawdowns. Humanitarian Shock: Reports say nearly 50 Nigerien travelers died of thirst in the Sahara after a truck breakdown while returning from Eid al-Adha. Safe Schools Pressure: Experts renewed calls to overhaul Nigeria’s Safe Schools initiative after thousands of students and teachers were reportedly kidnapped.

Sahara Tragedy: Nearly 50 Nigerien travellers died of thirst after a truck broke down in remote northern Niger near the Mali–Algeria border while returning from Eid al-Adha; two survivors walked over 30 miles to alert help and rescuers later found dozens of bodies. Private Health Regulation: Niger’s Ministry of Health says it has set up the Private Health Facilities Agency (NISPHFA) to register, regulate and inspect private clinics and hospitals, including a digital portal and partnerships to improve compliance. Security in Niger: Nigerian Army troops arrested a suspected terrorist informant in Borgu LGA, Niger State, after intelligence-led operations in Kara and Wawa communities. Energy Deal: Algeria has started work on its stretch of the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline, with Niger expected to begin in 2027, aiming to supply Europe with up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually. Health & Aid: Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid al-Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries including Niger. Governance Debate: Opposition leader Peter Obi criticized Nigeria’s reactive security approach after reports of forest-guard recruitment for Oyo, arguing for a national framework.

Sahara Tragedy: Nearly 50 Nigerien travellers died of thirst after a truck broke down in a remote Sahara corridor near the Mali–Algeria–Niger borders while returning from Eid al-Adha; two survivors walked over 30 miles to alert rescuers, who later found dozens of bodies. Counter-Terror Ops (Niger State): Nigerian Army troops arrested a suspected terrorist informant in Borgu LGA, Kara and Wawa communities, and said he was assisting investigations after being taken into custody. Kidnapping Crackdown (Kaduna/Niger): Kaduna police rescued three captives after 40 days and arrested five suspected informants, saying the bandits fled when security teams advanced; victims were treated at a police clinic before reuniting with families. Humanitarian Aid (QRCS): Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid al-Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries, including Niger, with sacrificial meat delivered through local partners. Road Security Plan: Nigeria’s Works Ministry says CCTV cameras, solar streetlights and observation points will be installed along the Mararaba–Keffi Road to strengthen highway safety and monitoring.

Sahara Tragedy: Nearly 50 Nigeriens died of thirst after a truck broke down in the remote northern Sahara while returning from Mali for Eid al-Adha; survivors trekked over 30–50 km to alert authorities near Assamaka, where rescuers found dozens of bodies. Kidnapping Crackdown (Kaduna): Kaduna police rescued three victims held for more than 40 days and arrested five suspected informants after intelligence-led raids; the bandits fled, abandoning captives unharmed. Security Debate (Nigeria): Peter Obi renewed criticism of Nigeria’s insecurity response, targeting Tinubu’s reported approval to recruit 1,000 forest guards for Oyo as “reactive” and lacking a national framework. Regional Security (Niger State): Nigerian and Benin forces repelled a terrorist ambush in Borgu, detonated multiple IEDs, recovered ammunition and motorcycles, and arrested a suspected informant. Energy Push: Algeria has started work on its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline linking Nigeria through Niger to Algeria, aiming to supply up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually to Europe. Humanitarian Aid (QRCS): Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid Al-Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries in Qatar and 13 countries across Asia and Africa, including Niger.

Kidnapping Crackdown in Kaduna: Police rescued three victims held for over 40 days by suspected bandits and arrested five alleged informants feeding the ring, with the abductors fleeing after security teams advanced; victims were treated at a police clinic before reuniting with families. Sahara Tragedy: At least 49 Nigeriens died of thirst after a truck broke down in northern Niger while returning from Eid al-Adha in Mali; two survivors trekked over 50km to reach help, and bodies were buried in mass graves. Electricity Governance: Nigeria’s state electricity regulators rejected a proposed 2026 Electricity Act amendment, warning it could reverse devolution and disrupt sector decentralisation and a planned $1bn investment. Energy Deal Momentum: Algeria has started construction on its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a project meant to move gas from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria for export. Security Politics in Oyo: Peter Obi criticised Tinubu’s approval of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo as a reactive move, arguing Nigeria needs a holistic national security approach. Health Watch: NCDC warned about politicisation hampering cholera response, citing delayed diagnosis and supply shortages.

Sahel Tragedy: At least 49 Nigeriens died of thirst in northern Niger after a truck broke down in the Sahara while returning from Mali for Eid al-Adha; two survivors trekked over 50km to Assamaka and alerted authorities, while rescuers buried victims in mass graves. Security & Justice: FCT police arrested Yau Sule, a suspected logistics and ammunition supplier to bandits, recovering AK-47 ammunition and linking him to a wider network. Regional Diplomacy: Benin’s new president Romuald Wadagni began early visits to Niger and Burkina Faso, signaling a possible reset with the AES bloc. Terror Update: ISWAP-affiliated fighters killed three troops in a raid on a military base near Maiduguri, burning the site and carting away weapons. Energy & Trade: Algeria, Nigeria and Niger started a new phase of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, aiming to move up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually. Governance Watch: Niger State’s assembly clarified it did not approve a $14.4m “loan,” saying it only received a request for a bank guarantee tied to a state-linked company.

Niger Desert Tragedy: At least 49 people died of thirst in northern Niger after a truck broke down in the Sahara while returning from Mali for a Muslim festival; two survivors trekked over 50 km to reach water and alert authorities near Assamaka. Security in Niger State: Bandits killed vigilante Bawa Samari and two farmers in Magure, Munya LGA, and kidnapped four others; police say a joint tactical team is hunting the attackers. Niger Assembly Clarification: Niger State lawmakers say they did not approve a $14.4m “loan,” explaining the request was only for a bank guarantee tied to a Saudi EXIM-backed facility for Niger Foods, with repayment on the company. Energy Access Watch: The AfDB launched Mission 300’s MapAfrica tracker to monitor electricity projects across Africa, including Niger. Regional Water Deal: EU and Germany-backed Lake Chad Water Management (LACHAWAMA) was launched to improve shared water governance and climate resilience across the basin. Turkey-Niger Ties: President Tchiani met Erdogan in Ankara; Erdogan pledged deeper cooperation on security and defense, with reports that payment for equipment could be arranged later.

Türkiye–Niger Security Pivot: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tchiani in Ankara, pledging deeper Türkiye-Africa ties and support against terrorist threats in the Sahel, with new cooperation deals spanning security, defense, trade, education and more. Energy Integration: Algeria has started construction of its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a project linking Nigeria and Niger to Algeria’s Mediterranean coast for gas exports to Europe. Arms Proliferation Warning: The UN says weapons looted in Libya’s 2011 conflict have resurfaced across the Sahel, including Niger and Nigeria, and are now in the hands of extremist groups. Regional Water Stability: EU and Germany-backed Lake Chad water management (LACHAWAMA) was launched in Bangui to improve shared water governance, climate resilience and stability across the basin. Niger Security Clampdown: Niger police arrested six suspects after a deadly clash between rival youth groups in Minna, and also moved against a suspect linked to a viral thuggery threat. Diplomacy & Mobility: The US confirmed deportation of 355 West Africans under its WOW initiative, with Nigeria listed for 110 deportees; meanwhile, Niger’s ambassador presented credentials in Luxembourg.

School Abductions in Focus: Gunmen struck the off-campus hostel of the Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda in Zamfara, abducting eight students as shots rang out near a nearby military checkpoint; two students escaped. Security Clampdown in Niger: In Niamey, authorities began razing illegally built homes around Diori Hamani airport, saying the area was infiltrated by jihadists, after a January attack on the airport and drone base. Kidnapping Probe in Niger: Niger police opened an investigation after a private security guard in Minna fled with his employer’s two children, with ransom suspected. Sahel Humanitarian Alarm: The UN says about 24 million people across the Sahel need aid as violence, displacement, and climate shocks worsen, with schools and health centres forced to close. Energy Policy Move: Nigeria’s NERC unveiled Net Billing Regulations 2026 allowing solar “prosumers” to sell excess power back to the grid. Electricity Regulation in Anambra: ASERC signed new rules to improve supply, protect consumers, and attract investors. US-Iran Tensions: The US House passed a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump’s Iran military action.

UN Warning on Middle East Escalation: UN chief António Guterres urged restraint after reported US-Iran clashes, including claims of an Iranian strike on Kuwait’s airport, while Lebanon’s south remains tense and displacement fears grow. Sahel Security vs Rights: A new report highlights how Western counterterror support to Niger continues despite documented civilian harm, raising questions about safeguards and accountability. Niger–Türkiye Partnership: Niger’s President Tchiani is set to visit Türkiye to expand cooperation and discuss regional security. UN Arms Diversion: The UN says weapons looted in Libya’s 2011 conflict have resurfaced with extremist groups across the Sahel, including Niger and Nigeria. US Deportations of West Africans: The US confirmed deportation plans for 355 people, including 110 Nigerians, under a West Africa enforcement crackdown. Niger’s Internal Developments: Niger integrates 396 former UNICEF/GAVI health workers into the civil service, while Benin’s new president begins rebuilding ties with Niamey and Burkina Faso amid shared security concerns. Regional Context: A Global Terror Index update flags Niger among the most affected countries, underscoring the Sahel’s worsening insecurity.

Sahel Diplomacy: Benin’s new president Romuald Wadagni began rebuilding ties with Niger and Burkina Faso, securing a commitment from Niger’s junta to start reopening their border and pledging joint action against jihadist threats. Security & Education Crisis: Amnesty International condemned Nigeria’s Tinubu government over renewed mass school abductions, saying security measures are failing; meanwhile Nigeria’s Senate urged a national security summit and warned politicians against exploiting insecurity, as teachers protested kidnappings and families demand releases. Displacement Update: UNHCR data shows Nigeria’s North-West IDPs jumped to 793,534 by May 2026, up from 650,345 in December, driven largely by sharp increases in Sokoto and Zamfara. Arms Diversion Warning: The UN said weapons looted after Libya’s 2011 conflict have resurfaced across the Sahel, including Niger and Nigeria, fueling extremist violence. Niger State Developments: Niger recruited 396 former UNICEF/GAVI health workers into the civil service, and a private security guard in Minna allegedly abducted his employer’s two sons, with police confirming the case. Regional Mobility: The US confirmed deportation of 355 West Africans, including 110 Nigerians, releasing names and photos. Energy Watch: Dangote Refinery cut its ex-depot petrol price again amid a price war with depot operators.

Shipping Disruption & Port Boost: With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed since Feb 28, major lines have rerouted away from the Red Sea and Suez, pushing more container traffic around the Cape of Good Hope and lifting activity for Atlantic hubs like Lomé. Sahel Security: A passenger bus hit a land mine on the Bamako–Kayes highway in Mali, killing 8 and injuring 42, with JNIM blamed amid rising jihadist pressure. Niger Food Security Finance: Niger State lawmakers approved a N20.4bn loan for a large irrigated farm project under the Niger Food Security Systems and Logistics Company. School Kidnapping Protests: Teachers in Nigeria staged protests over abductions of pupils and staff, while security concerns keep spreading toward southern states. Niger–Benin Thaw: Benin’s new president Romuald Wadagni visited Niamey, signaling renewed security talks after Niger’s 2023 coup-era border closure. Local Niger Crime: A Minna security guard allegedly abducted his employer’s two six-year-old sons, with police investigating. Sports: Niger Tornadoes dissolved its technical crew after another survival scare in the NPFL.

Security Crackdown in Niger State: DSS arrested five suspected arms couriers, including two Nigeriens, over the Nov. 21, 2025 Papiri school abduction, recovering 15 AK rifles and 1,434 rounds of ammunition. Counterterror Operation: Nigerian troops and local vigilantes in Niger State’s Borgu area killed a vigilante commander, Bature OC, during a five-day offensive along the Kainji Lake axis near Benin. Sahel Insurgency Funding: A report says Mali’s JNIM is using Mali’s artisanal gold sector to finance attacks across the Sahel, including links into Niger. Diplomacy Reset: Benin’s newly inaugurated President Romuald Wadagni visited Niamey as his first foreign stop, signaling a possible thaw after the 2023 coup-driven rift. Health Workforce Boost (Niger): Niger State integrated 396 UNICEF/GAVI health workers into the civil service to tackle staffing gaps. Power Supply Disruption: TCN extended maintenance on the Jos–Bauchi–Gombe line until June 30, with outages affecting parts of the north-east. Politics & Elections: Niger State ADC governorship aspirant Idrisu Makanta denied any petition against him after primary fallout.

School Security Crackdown: Nigeria’s DSS says it has arrested five suspects, including two foreign nationals, tied to the November 2025 St. Mary’s Catholic School Papiri abduction in Niger State, recovering 15 AK-103 rifles and 1,434 rounds of ammunition. Community Response: Northern Christian groups praised the DSS, urging thorough investigations and justice. Pressure on Government: In Oyo State, the Nigeria Union of Teachers announced a nationwide solidarity protest after teachers and pupils remain in captivity, with a wider school walkout also planned. Terror Aftershocks: Fresh reports say a Nigeria–US strike killed ISWAP commander Abubakar Mainok and may have wiped out key lieutenants, raising fears of a leadership vacuum. Regional Politics: As ECOWAS faces a July 2026 leadership transition, analysts warn fragmentation after Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso’s exit is testing the bloc’s relevance. Hajj Update: NAHCON confirmed return flights for 2026 Hajj pilgrims will begin June 3. Local Governance: Ogun State placed second in Nigeria’s 2025 State Performance Index, behind Lagos.