Kidnapping Crisis in Niger State: Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters says troops rescued 148 kidnapped victims from Kuyambana Forest in Zamfara, after about three months in captivity; the victims (2 adult males, 146 women and children) were escorted to Mariga LGA headquarters in Bangi for handover to families. U.S.-Niger Security Cooperation: The U.S. Embassy in Niamey confirmed it delivered nine containers of military equipment to Niger’s Armed Forces Logistics Center on May 26, including uniforms, protective gear and medical supplies, as Washington seeks to counter terrorism and kidnapping in the Sahel amid Russia’s growing influence. School Insecurity Pressure: Nigeria’s teachers’ union threatened a nationwide school shutdown over attacks and abductions of teachers and students, warning safety can no longer be guaranteed. Fuel Costs Bite Hard: Nigeria’s petrol price rose to about N1,532.93 per litre in April 2026, up 18.97% from March, with Niger state among the lower-priced states. Energy Costs Beyond Petrol: Household kerosene also jumped to an average N2,976.94 per litre in April, up 22.49% from March, keeping household budgets under strain. Regional Security Moves: Burkina Faso’s parliament adopted a military reserve law to create a 100,000-strong reservist force by end-2026.