Niger–Benin Thaw: Benin’s newly elected President Romuald Wadagni arrived in Niamey on Tuesday for his first official foreign trip since the 2023 coup, signaling easing tensions after Niger kept the border closed and accused Benin of hosting “French bases,” with both sides expected to relaunch security cooperation. Arms & School Kidnapping Probe (Niger State): Nigeria’s DSS says it arrested five suspected arms couriers, including two Nigeriens, linked to the Papiri St. Mary’s Catholic School abduction, recovering 15 AK rifles and 1,434 rounds. Security Operation (Niger State): A vigilante commander, Bature OC, was killed in a five-day joint offensive against terrorists near Kainji Lake, with Nigerian and Beninese forces operating along border communities. International Deportations: The US confirmed deportation of 355 people from West Africa, including 110 Nigerians and 94 Liberians, releasing names and photos. Sports (Niger): Samba O’Neil has started training with Niger after switching international allegiance, aiming to secure a spot for upcoming friendlies. Regional Conflict Analysis: A study links Sahel violence more to religious divides between Muslim pastoralists and mostly Christian farmers—worsened by drought—than to climate alone. Education Pressure (Nigeria): Teachers in Nigeria protested surging school kidnappings, including the Oyo raids, as unions push for stronger protection of schools.