BREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu New Police Chief

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has stepped down from office following a directive from President Bola Tinubu, marking a significant shift in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

Senior government and security officials confirmed that the decision was reached after a closed-door meeting between the president and the outgoing police chief at the Presidential Villa on Monday.

Following the meeting, President Tinubu nominated Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector General of Police, as Egbetokun’s replacement. Preparations are already underway for a formal handover ceremony at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, although an official announcement by the presidency is still pending.

Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd Inspector General of Police in June 2023, with his appointment later ratified by the Nigeria Police Council in October of the same year.

His tenure placed the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force under intense public scrutiny, particularly over issues of tenure elongation, succession planning, and compliance with statutory retirement provisions. At the time of his appointment, Egbetokun was close to the mandatory retirement age of 60, a development that triggered legal debates and criticism from civil society groups and constitutional lawyers.

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In response to the controversy, the National Assembly amended the Police Act in 2024, allowing an Inspector General of Police to complete a single four-year tenure irrespective of age or prior years in service. Based on the amendment, Egbetokun was expected to remain in office until October 2027.

Despite the legislative backing, his continued stay in office attracted mixed reactions, with critics questioning the broader implications for institutional norms and seniority within the police hierarchy.

Tunji Disu’s emergence as the new police chief places him at the helm of one of Africa’s largest law enforcement institutions, with the responsibility of stabilising internal morale, strengthening operational capacity, and restoring public confidence in policing amid persistent security challenges across the country.

Security analysts say the leadership change reflects President Tinubu’s growing willingness to recalibrate key security appointments as his administration confronts complex national security realities, including violent crime, insurgency, and public distrust in law enforcement.

As of the time of filing this report, the presidency has yet to issue a formal statement confirming Egbetokun’s resignation or announcing Disu’s appointment. However, sources within the presidency said an official announcement is expected later on Tuesday.

BREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu New Police Chief

U.S. Congress Submits Report to Trump on Alleged Christian Persecution in Nigeria

The United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs have formally submitted a comprehensive report to President Donald Trump detailing their findings and recommendations on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria and ongoing security challenges in the country.

The report follows President Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under U.S. religious freedom criteria and was the result of months of investigation led by Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole. The investigation involved hearings, expert testimonies, and bipartisan fact-finding missions to Nigeria.

Congressman Moore confirmed the submission on his X handle (@RepRileyMoore), noting that the report draws on on-the-ground assessments, interviews with internally displaced persons, meetings with government officials led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and consultations with religious leaders.

During the Nigeria visit, congressional delegates visited IDP camps in Benue State, assessed the impact of terrorist attacks, and observed first-hand the security risks facing Christian communities. Moore emphasized that the findings provide a clear picture of the threats in Nigeria, including attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed militias, which have led to killings, abductions, and widespread displacement.

“This report underscores the urgent need for Nigeria to address these pressing security challenges and protect vulnerable communities,” Moore said. He also urged the Nigerian government to strengthen ties with the United States to jointly combat violence and ensure the safety of civilians.

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Key Recommendations in the Report

The report contains specific recommendations aimed at protecting civilians and promoting security, including:

• Establishing a bilateral U.S.–Nigeria security agreement to safeguard Christian communities and dismantle jihadist networks.
• Conditioning U.S. aid on measurable actions by the Nigerian government to prevent violence against civilians.
• Implementing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals or groups responsible for religious persecution.
• Providing technical and strategic support to Nigerian security forces to counter attacks by Fulani militias and other armed groups.
• Encouraging reforms of restrictive laws, including Sharia and blasphemy statutes, that may contribute to discrimination.
• Collaborating with international partners such as France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom to coordinate security and humanitarian responses.

Moore described the report as a blueprint for action, reflecting firsthand observations and expert consultations. “We hope this report will guide policy to protect innocent civilians, strengthen bilateral relations, and promote long-term stability in Nigeria,” he said.

The report has drawn attention to the complex security landscape in Nigeria, where religious and ethnic tensions, terrorism, and armed banditry continue to threaten communities, particularly in the northern and central regions.

The Nigerian government has previously rejected allegations of genocide or targeted persecution of Christians, describing such claims as misinformation, while reaffirming its commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the security of all citizens.

U.S. Congress Submits Report to Trump on Alleged Christian Persecution in Nigeria

Tinubu to Governors: State Police Must Begin Now

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that the establishment of state police in Nigeria can no longer be delayed, stressing that urgent action is required to tackle rising insecurity, banditry, terrorism and kidnapping across the country.

The President spoke on Monday night after breaking the Ramadan fast (Iftar) with state governors at the Presidential Villa, where he said all levels of government must work together to reclaim ungoverned spaces being exploited by criminal groups.

“What I promised you will not be postponed. We will establish state police to combat insecurity. Start looking around you,” Tinubu told the governors, emphasising that Nigeria’s security challenges had reached a point where decentralised policing could no longer be ignored.

He reminded the governors that they had all, through deliberations at the National Economic Council (NEC), agreed on the need to create state police as a strategy to curb insecurity and protect communities. According to him, the consensus underscored the urgency of addressing widespread criminality that has disrupted livelihoods and instilled fear across many parts of the country.

Tinubu, however, acknowledged that critical issues such as funding, command structure, oversight, accountability and coordination with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies were still being worked out. He noted that these modalities must be carefully designed to ensure professionalism, prevent abuse and guarantee effective collaboration.

The President also urged governors to intensify grassroots development, saying neglect, unemployment and poverty at the local government level often fuel criminal activities. He appealed to state leaders to embrace inclusiveness and ensure that development opportunities reached the most vulnerable.

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“Be all-encompassing. Let’s spread development opportunities to the grassroots and embrace the downtrodden, the young ones and all our supporters,” he said.

Describing the coincidence of the Muslim Ramadan fast and the Christian Lenten season as symbolic, Tinubu said the period reflected shared values of discipline, sacrifice and unity, urging Nigerians to continue to pray together and support one another.

Addressing internal political tensions, the President advised members of his party to exercise tolerance during ongoing congresses, stressing that unity and harmony were essential for national stability.

“Tolerate everybody. Let the young ones breathe. Build structures anchored on unity, harmony and sacrifice,” he said.

Acknowledging that criticisms and commendations would continue to trail his administration, Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s trajectory, saying the country was emerging from economic uncertainty.

“We are out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The economy is picking up. Let’s help those who are unemployed,” he added.

Responding on behalf of the governors, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma described the gathering as a symbol of religious harmony, unity and partnership between the federal and state governments. He praised the President for fostering political stability and strengthening collaboration with governors, pledging continued support for ongoing reforms.

The dinner was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, several state governors and senior government officials, including Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Tinubu to Governors: State Police Must Begin Now