Benin–Nigeria Border Security: Benin and Nigeria carried out an eight-day, geospatial-intelligence-led Customs operation along the border, seizing 37 illicit items including narcotics, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products and consumer goods—an effort backed by WCO training and joint risk mapping. Edo Inclusivity in Public Service: Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo swore in 20 permanent secretaries, including Melody Omosah, the state’s first visually impaired permanent secretary, calling it a merit-based milestone for inclusive governance. Edo Security Logistics: The Egor local government council donated 12 motorcycles to police and Edo State Security Corps units to speed up responses against kidnapping, banditry and violent crime. Edo Industrial Push: Edo sealed a partnership with US-based investors to set up an electric tricycle manufacturing and assembly plant, aiming to cut imports and create jobs while advancing clean transport. Regional Sports (Benin vs Nigeria): Nigeria’s volleyball teams kept winning in Zone 3 qualifiers, beating Benin 3-1 to qualify for the 2026 African Nations Cup finals in DR Congo. Visa Policy Watch: Russia published visa-free entry lists for African countries—South Africa stands out as the only African country eligible for visa-free entry on all passport types, while most others face strict limits.