Niger-Türkiye Diplomacy: Niger’s President Abdourahamane Tchiani was welcomed in Ankara by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in an official ceremony, with both sides pledging deeper cooperation on security, defense, trade, education and energy, including new agreements and a joint economic commission. Sahel Arms Warning: The UN says weapons looted in Libya’s 2011 conflict have resurfaced with extremist groups in Nigeria and across the Sahel, including Niger, warning that the end of fighting doesn’t stop the circulation of illicit arms. Trans-Saharan Gas Push: Algeria has started construction of its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline after a ministerial steering meeting in Algiers with Nigeria and Niger, aiming to move gas from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria’s Mediterranean coast for export to Europe. Niger Security Crackdown: In Niamey, authorities have begun razing illegally built homes near the airport, citing jihadist infiltration risks. Nigeria School Insecurity Spillover: Nigeria’s federal government renewed anti-terror efforts to rescue abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno, while the Senate demanded urgent action as kidnappings and attacks keep spreading. US Deportations: The US says it will deport 110 Nigerians under its West Africa Operations Watch initiative, alongside other West African nationals.