Sahel Security & Trade: Insurgents staged coordinated attacks across Mali, hitting army positions from northern towns like Anefis, Aguelhoc and Gao to central Sevare and south of Bamako, with Mali’s forces saying they repelled assaults and killed dozens. Infrastructure for Recovery: Nigeria’s Tinubu administration has flagged off the N137bn rehabilitation of the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru–Ngala road corridors in Borno, pitching the projects as “live wire” links to reopen trade routes, cut transport costs and improve security access. Local Insecurity Pressure (Niger State): In Borgu, Niger State, youth leaders warn insecurity is worsening and schools are being hit—terrorists reportedly burnt five primary schools in Dekara District, deepening an education crisis. Poverty & Finance via Cooperatives (Niger): Niger State says 3,000 cooperative societies are empowering members with affordable loans and incentives to support farming, trade and self-reliance. STEM & Human Capital: InterswitchSPAK named the top 81 students from 21,700+ entries, with televised stages and scholarships/prizes worth over ₦40m. Power Sector Payments: Nigeria’s electricity debt to Benin, Togo and Niger is put at about N17.45bn after international customers remitted only 27.57% of invoices in Q1 2026.