Sports & Youth Development: Chad just inaugurated a FIFA Arena mini-pitch in Koumra (School 15), the first of its kind in the country, with plans to roll out 23 FIFA Arenas nationwide and give about 5,000 children a safe, free place to play football. Community Policing & Security Culture: Nigeria’s Magnus Onyibe argues in his new book, The Imperative of State Police in Nigeria, for policing that’s closer to communities—using local grassroots intelligence and stronger neighborhood institutions. Conflict Reporting Spotlight: The Nigerian Army honoured News Central TV Northeast correspondent Umaru Yakubu Kirawa with a “Conflict Coverage Hero Award” for brave reporting on counter-terrorism and humanitarian realities across the North East and Lake Chad areas. Wildlife & Heritage: Chad’s scimitar-horned oryx comeback continues—after 25 were reintroduced in 2016, the wild population has grown past 600, helping shift the species from “Extinct in the Wild” to “Endangered.” Regional Instability: Cameroon’s Madegoua attack left at least 15 dead, with Boko Haram or ISWAP suspected, while Sahel-Sahara rebel groups keep gaining ground amid shifting regional rivalries. Red Sea Watch: Africa File reports littoral states haven’t signaled direct involvement against Yemen’s Houthis after Bab al Mandeb’s northern entrance was seized.