Sahel Diplomacy: Benin’s new president Romuald Wadagni began rebuilding ties with Niger and Burkina Faso, securing a commitment from Niger’s junta to start reopening their border and pledging joint action against jihadist threats. Security & Education Crisis: Amnesty International condemned Nigeria’s Tinubu government over renewed mass school abductions, saying security measures are failing; meanwhile Nigeria’s Senate urged a national security summit and warned politicians against exploiting insecurity, as teachers protested kidnappings and families demand releases. Displacement Update: UNHCR data shows Nigeria’s North-West IDPs jumped to 793,534 by May 2026, up from 650,345 in December, driven largely by sharp increases in Sokoto and Zamfara. Arms Diversion Warning: The UN said weapons looted after Libya’s 2011 conflict have resurfaced across the Sahel, including Niger and Nigeria, fueling extremist violence. Niger State Developments: Niger recruited 396 former UNICEF/GAVI health workers into the civil service, and a private security guard in Minna allegedly abducted his employer’s two sons, with police confirming the case. Regional Mobility: The US confirmed deportation of 355 West Africans, including 110 Nigerians, releasing names and photos. Energy Watch: Dangote Refinery cut its ex-depot petrol price again amid a price war with depot operators.