School Safety: Some schools in parts of Nigeria closed early after bandit attacks and threats, including a deadly raid on UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke, Kogi State, where at least three people died and one attacker was reportedly neutralised. Rural Security: Edo State has started recruiting 1,000 forest guards to protect forests, farmlands and border communities, with bases inside forest reserves and extra focus on corridors linking Edo with Kogi, Ondo and Delta. Maternal Health: Health experts warn Nigeria’s maternal deaths among women under 40 are still driven by preventable causes like postpartum haemorrhage and hypertensive disorders, stressing faster recognition of danger signs and access to emergency obstetric care. Mental Health & Harm Reduction: Reports highlight the spread of tapentadol—an addictive synthetic opioid—being mixed into “kush,” with seizures and concerns that misuse is worsening across West Africa, including Benin. Child Protection: A case of ritual infanticide in Edo has sparked outrage after a mother allegedly drowned her disabled 5-year-old following instructions from a “seer.” Healthcare Access: Togo’s CNSS launched a nationwide push to issue Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards for retired workers and dependents, aiming to expand coverage from 2026. Policy & Oversight: Kuwait updated rules for domestic worker recruitment, allowing only 10 source countries (including Benin) and banning many others—moves linked to health and administrative reviews. Digital Security: Benin and other West African teams are competing in Accra’s ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon to build defenses against cybercrime, including threats to hospitals and public services. Health Workforce: Edo’s army recruitment screening for shortlisted candidates includes a comprehensive medical examination at Benin City’s 4 Brigade headquarters.