Health Coverage Push: Togo’s CNSS launched a nationwide drive to issue Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards for retired workers and eligible dependents, with registration running until Oct 15 and full benefits from Jan 1, 2026. PDP Court Battle: PDP BoT chair Adolphus Wabara and allies sued INEC at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding recognition of the party’s interim NWC after a Court of Appeal ruling. Security in Niger State: JTF Operation Savannah Shield arrested five suspected bandit/terror informants in Niger State, recovering phones, cash and propaganda linked to kidnappings. Power Upgrade in Niger: TCN handed Mainstream Energy site access to build two 330kV evacuation bays at Kainji, targeting 220MW grid capacity by Dec. Sahel Geopolitics: A new analysis says the Sahel has shifted from French-led counterinsurgency to a wider geopolitical contest, with Russia gaining influence after France’s drawdowns. Humanitarian Shock: Reports say nearly 50 Nigerien travelers died of thirst in the Sahara after a truck breakdown while returning from Eid al-Adha. Safe Schools Pressure: Experts renewed calls to overhaul Nigeria’s Safe Schools initiative after thousands of students and teachers were reportedly kidnapped.