Edo Security Update: Edo State Police say they are closing in on the abductors of Mrs. Precious Ufure Oseghale, taken near the Vegetable Market on Airport Road in Benin City, with Anti-Kidnapping Unit operatives “on their trail” and progress reported as ransom details remain undisclosed. Media & Policing: Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) and police pledged tighter collaboration to improve security reporting and public crime-prevention awareness, with EBS promising continued programming on security matters. Anti-Crime Arrest: NSCDC in Edo arrested a suspect over alleged theft of about 60 litres of diesel from a telecom facility, citing intelligence-led operations and ongoing investigations. Budget Accountability (Nigeria): BudgIT warns Nigeria’s annual budget approvals often fail as “paper exercises,” pointing to opaque, untraceable fund releases and weak revenue assumptions. Faith & Insecurity (Edo): Clergy in Benin City say development cannot thrive amid fear and insecurity, urging continued prayer support for Edo’s leadership. Trade Finance (Benin): EBRD approved a $20m trade finance line for Bank of Africa-Benin to boost import-export activity and expand access for local firms to regional and international markets. Regional Energy Push: Leaders at the West Africa Gas Summit in Accra urged faster integration of gas infrastructure to turn resource wealth into jobs and prosperity, citing the West African Gas Pipeline as a proof of concept. Illegal Gambling Warning: Benin is named among countries hit by illegal gambling as the National Lottery Authority calls for stronger enforcement and tech-driven controls.