School Security Crackdown: Nigeria’s DSS says it has arrested five suspected arms couriers, including two nationals from Niger Republic, over the Nov. 21, 2025 Papiri school abduction in Niger State, recovering 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm ammo. Drug Trafficking Busts: NDLEA reports seizures of military-grade ammunition and major drug hauls, including ketamine and MDMA hidden in water purifier machines shipped from the Netherlands, plus cannabis and skunk recoveries in Kaduna and Niger State. Terror Group Leadership Watch: Reports say ISWAP commander Ba’a Shuwa is reluctant to take a top ISIS role after Mainok’s death in a Nigeria–US strike, as leadership pressure grows. Power Disruption Risk: TCN warns of a planned outage affecting northern states (including areas linked to Niger Republic’s grid supply) for emergency maintenance on a key transmission line. Local Governance & Faith: Niger State’s education ministry says schools have both Christian and Islamic religious teachers, while traditional leaders urge continued prayers for peace after Eid-el-Kabir. Regional Diplomacy: France signals a renewed Africa strategy as Sahel influence shifts amid coups and new external players. Sports: Nigeria’s fencers head to the African Senior Championships in Abidjan.