Sahel Travel Integration: Niger has enrolled President Abdourahamane Tiani for the new Alliance of Sahel States (AES) biometric passport, a step meant to harmonize travel documents after the bloc replaced ECOWAS-era papers. Regional Security Claims: A Russian deputy foreign minister says Ukraine is supporting armed groups in Mali, Libya and Sudan, raising fresh tensions around the Sahel’s security landscape. Kidnap Response in Nigeria: Police report rescues of eight kidnap victims and arrests of seven suspects in coordinated operations across several states. Niger Insurance Clarity: NAICOM dismisses claims by people purporting to manage Niger Insurance Plc, reiterating the firm remains in receivership with its licence revoked. Human Trafficking Alarm: A viral video from Mali renews concerns about Nigerian women and girls being trafficked for forced labour and exploitation. Livestock Health Push: Nigeria reiterates plans to eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) by 2030, citing surveillance, vaccination and cross-border cooperation. Sports (WAFU B U20): Nigeria’s Flying Eagles drawn in Group B with Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso for the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire.