ECOWAS–AES Security Rift: Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger’s ECOWAS exit and creation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is widening the fight against JNIM, with research pointing to insurgent expansion into northern Benin around the W-Arly-Pendjari area. Benin–Sapele Road Works: NDDC has started reconstructing a failed 15.4km section of the Benin–Sapele Expressway in Delta, using rigid concrete pavement, after gridlock and economic losses. Benin–Onitsha Expressway Accountability: Works Minister David Umahi orders the arrest of Hartland’s MD over incomplete delivery on a Benin–Onitsha stretch despite up to N14bn paid. Benin–Asaba Highway Emergency: Umahi says the federal government has treated the Benin–Asaba corridor as an emergency, pushing for contract action and warning against contractors removing asphalt from still-smooth sections. Power & Community Tensions: Edo youths in Ologbo held journalists hostage and disrupted an Ossiomo Power restoration visit at the gas plant. AI for Students (Benin included): Google expands its free Google AI Plus offer to 27 African countries, including Benin, for verified university/college students. Solar Push: New analysis says Africa could hit a record 17GW of solar installations in 2026, with mini-grids highlighted for rural access in Benin and other Francophone states. TVET Skills Link: NABTEB and CORBON sign an MoU to align technical training with industry needs, targeting better practical skills.