Niger Travel & Safety: An American missionary pilot, Kevin Rideout, kidnapped in Niamey in October 2025, has been freed after more than nine months and is now in U.S. custody, with SIM International saying he is in good health—news that will matter to travellers watching Niger’s security climate. Mega-Project for Travel & Business: Niger has signed a $1.9 billion deal to build a 100,000-bpd refinery and petrochemical complex in Dosso under a build-operate-transfer model, aiming to boost local supply and regional trade. Regional Mobility: ECOWAS is engaging border communities on the Free Movement protocol along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor, urging travellers and traders to use the established channels while staying security-conscious. Startup Opportunities: ECOWAS opened applications for its 2026 Startup Awards, offering a $65,000 prize pool and regional visibility for eligible startups across member states. Tourism Context (Quicker Read): A global LGBTQ+ travel safety survey by ITB Berlin highlights how perceptions of safety and social acceptance shape destination choices. Security on Niger Roads: Authorities reported nine bodies recovered after a suspected bandit attack along the Wawa–Lumma road in Niger State, underscoring ongoing risks for road travel.