Sahel Security & Spillover: A new phase of Islamic State activity is reported across the Sahel, with growing rivalry and major attacks underscoring how insecurity keeps spreading across Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Forest Protection Under Pressure: Nigeria’s Presidential Forest Guards Initiative is expanding amid kidnappings, but questions remain about how well the guards are operating and coordinating to protect forest reserves. Oil Pollution & Accountability: Experts warn that oil pollution and flooding are undermining Nigeria’s sustainability goals, while legal scholars push for enforceable environmental duties for oil and gas firms instead of voluntary CSR. Gas Leak Crisis in Rivers: Communities in Bille, Degema, are demanding a state of emergency after persistent gas bubbling threatens health, water sources and livelihoods. Energy Access & Renewables: ECOWAS says West Africa’s electricity shortage clashes with its vast resources, calling for renewable-led rural electrification. Niger Uranium Drive: Talks in Niamey aim to restart the Madaouela uranium project under a revised mining convention to strengthen Niger’s control and revenue. Weather Watch: NiMet forecasts thunderstorms and rainfall across multiple Nigerian states, with northern areas seeing storms later in the day. Displacement Pressure: UNHCR reports 3.7 million forcibly displaced people in Nigeria as of April 2025, with conflict still the main driver. Human Rights & Freedom: UN human rights chief Volker Türk reiterates a push toward “larger freedom” while warning of serious rights setbacks.