Sahel Security: Niger’s armed forces marked their 66th anniversary, honoring fallen troops and unveiling locally produced equipment, as the country continues border and anti-militant operations. Boko Haram Clash: In Diffa, at least 14 Nigerien soldiers were reported killed in an ambush during fighting with Boko Haram, underscoring the pressure in the Lake Chad border zone. Arms & Counterterror: Niger received six Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones in the first batch of a 2021 defence deal, aimed at boosting surveillance and precision strikes against jihadist groups around the Mali-Burkina-Niger and Lake Chad axes. Humanitarian Strain: Conflict and drought are worsening malnutrition and displacement in Niger’s Maradi and surrounding areas, while violence across the region has pushed hundreds of thousands of refugees into Niger. Governance & Rights: Niger warned illegal miners to stop or face arrest and prosecution, and also moved to criminalize same-sex relations, as anti-LGBTQ+ laws spread across West Africa. Health Policy: WHO-backed health security and emergency response strategy is being implemented in Niger and other countries, targeting faster outbreak preparedness. Sports: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles lost 2-0 to Burkina Faso at WAFU B U-20, but still booked a semi-final spot against hosts Côte d’Ivoire.