Kidnapping Crackdown (Abuja–Niger): FCT Police arrested six suspected “one chance” kidnappers and recovered ₦8.25m ransom after a woman abducted in Maitama was held in Kwan-Kwashe, Niger State, then released on July 3. Court Watch (PDP Leadership): A Federal High Court reserved judgment in the PDP leadership suit, with Justice Salim Ibrahim adjourning to July 10 over which faction INEC should recognise. Security Policy (Boko Haram Rehab): The Nigerian Senate urged the federal government to stop rehabilitating repentant Boko Haram members after abductions and killings of military personnel. Regional Power Debts (Electricity): Nigeria’s regulator says Togo, Benin and Niger owe $12.66m for Q1 2026 electricity, with low remittance performance. Customs Integrity (Food Diversion): Ghana’s GRA confiscated 18 trucks of transit food allegedly diverted from Togo to Niger, interdicted four customs officers, and allocated the goods to the School Feeding Programme. Sahel Diplomacy: Russia’s Lavrov met Ethiopia’s PM and is set to travel to Niger for AES-related talks. Health Focus (Malaria): A report highlights how malaria remains deadly for pregnant women across Africa, including Niger and Nigeria.