Parliamentary Diplomacy: Benin’s National Assembly appointed new Parliamentary Friendship Group directives, including a Benin-designated president, aiming to deepen international cooperation. Security & Schools: Edo State ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo after DSS intelligence warned of a planned mass abduction of students in Edo North, with candidates allowed to sit WASSCE under strict security. Police Action: Edo Police arrested four suspects over an alleged self-kidnapping plot after a ₦50m ransom demand and staged videos; one suspect was caught during surveillance around a school. Telecom & Broadband: Nigeria’s telecom regulator NCC says operators deployed 5,000 new network sites and extended fibre to 700+ sites, while fixed broadband subscriptions rose sharply, pushing fibre expansion to ease mobile congestion. Energy Trade: Nigeria exported solar panels worth N85.8bn in Q1 2026, with the US as top buyer, signaling a shift toward regional renewable energy supply. Labour Rules (Kuwait): Kuwait restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries (including Benin) and banned 27 others, tightening the Gulf labour corridor. Sports (Women’s U-17): Nigeria’s Flamingos return to camp Sunday for the Benin Republic qualifying clash after crushing Guinea 11-0 on aggregate. Football (Edo): Edo Queens climbed the NWFL Super Six playoff table after a 6-2 win over Abia Angels. Business/Finance (EFCC): EFCC operatives in Benin questioned a banker and a bureau de change operator over alleged $2.5m money laundering.