Sahel Security Shock: Niger State’s Pissa community in Borgu LGA is reeling after suspected bandits attacked at about 9am, killing three people and burning houses, with the military engaging the attackers as details remain unclear. Counterterror Patrols: In the same state, troops of Operation Savannah Shield arrested 10 suspected terrorist informants and collaborators during an intelligence-driven patrol across multiple communities in Borgu, with suspects taken into custody for interrogation. Humanitarian Logistics Strain: UNHCR warns that Middle East conflict disruptions—especially around the Strait of Hormuz—are delaying shipments of medicines, vaccines and emergency relief, raising costs for aid deliveries into crisis zones. Rights Under Pressure: Niger’s military government has introduced new penal code provisions criminalising same-sex relationships, drawing sharp condemnation from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch over risks of violence and arbitrary detention. Economy & Governance: Niger is set to receive about $33m from the IMF after a staff-level agreement on the ninth review of its ECF reform programme, while NAB Consulting says it has completed a €250m structured finance facility to support priority sectors including agriculture, energy, healthcare and SMEs.