Sahara Tragedy: Nearly 50 Nigeriens died of thirst after a truck broke down in the Sahara near the Mali–Algeria–Niger border; only two survivors trekked over 80km to Assamaka and authorities recovered dozens of bodies for mass burial. Energy & Trade: Algeria has started construction on its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, aiming to move up to 30bn cubic metres of Nigerian gas annually through Niger to Algeria for European export—an EU push to cut reliance on Russia. Security & Governance: Nigeria’s debate over President Tinubu’s reported approval to recruit 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State is intensifying, with Peter Obi calling it a reactive, poorly coordinated approach that should be replaced by a national security framework. Electricity Regulation: Nigeria’s state electricity regulators rejected a proposed Electricity Act Amendment Bill 2026, warning it could reverse power-sector devolution and disrupt investment. Business & Finance: Tinubu moved to end Optasia’s 12-year dominance in Nigeria’s airtime credit and data advance market, opening space for local fintech competition in a sector estimated above N3tn annually. Standards & Agribusiness: Five women-led rice processors in Niger State received the African Organisation for Standardisation quality mark award, boosting confidence and market access for locally made food products. Regional Diplomacy: Niger’s junta leader Tchiani was welcomed in Ankara by President Erdoğan, with cooperation deals on the agenda as Türkiye deepens ties with Niamey.