False Kidnapping Alarm Crackdown (Edo): Edo State Police arrested “Aza Woman” (Uzebor Emmanuel) for spreading viral, false claims that students were abducted from Green Park Academy and Western Boys’ College in Benin City, warning that misinformation on public safety can spark panic and divert security resources. Drug Trafficking Busts (Nigeria): NDLEA reported major seizures and arrests, including 320,840 tramadol capsules and other opioids found hidden under building materials in Taraba, plus a 75-year-old suspect in Ebonyi and multiple female traffickers in Edo, Imo, Kano and Gombe. Benin–Côte d’Ivoire Diplomacy: Beninese President Romuald Wadagni visited Côte d’Ivoire to reaffirm ties and push stronger coordination on West Africa’s security and economic challenges. Regional Security Cooperation (Niger): Nigeria and Benin Republic forces repelled a terrorist ambush in Niger State and detonated multiple IEDs along a withdrawal route, arresting a suspected terrorist informant. Heritage & Tourism (Benin): In Ouidah, China-backed redevelopment is turning the former slave port into a waterfront tourism complex linked to the “Slave Route” and memorial sites. World Cup Focus: South Africa’s World Cup earnings outlook and a guide to the 48-team tournament dominated sports coverage ahead of the June 11 kickoff.