US-Niger Security Ties Under Scrutiny: The US delivered $2.3m in “non-lethal” military equipment to Niger’s junta in May, even as Human Rights Watch documented a January drone strike that killed 17 civilians—raising fresh questions about safeguards and accountability. Sahel Terror Snapshot: A new Global Terror Index says terrorism deaths are concentrated in a handful of countries, naming Niger among the worst hit. Niger-Benin Border Reset: Benin’s new president visited Niamey and pledged to reopen the border; a joint expert committee was set up to remove obstacles within 15 days, with security cooperation against terrorism and banditry also discussed. Türkiye-Niger Partnership: Niger’s President Tchiani is set to visit Türkiye to expand bilateral cooperation, including regional and global issues. Local Governance & Security (Nigeria, with spillover relevance): Nigeria’s Senate urged urgent rescue of abducted Oyo pupils and teachers and warned over worsening Kwara North attacks; it also formed a committee to push the federal government to clear unpaid contractor debts.