The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Police, Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, as the new Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force.

CSP Iniedu, a native of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is an experienced police officer with a strong background in public communication, intelligence management, operational policing, administration, and institutional accountability.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pure Chemistry from the University of Uyo and has attended several professional courses in investigative interviewing, crime scene management, strategic communication, intelligence analysis, and human rights-based policing.

Before his latest appointment, CSP Iniedu served as Head of the Complaint Response Unit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he coordinated public complaint management and spearheaded initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.

The appointment was announced in a statement signed by the outgoing Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid.

The new Force spokesperson has also served in several strategic positions.

The Inspector-General of Police expressed confidence in CSP Iniedu’s ability to lead the Force Public Relations Department, noting that his wealth of experience and professional competence will strengthen the Force’s strategic communication efforts, deepen public engagement, and support ongoing policing reforms.

The Federal Government has announced plans to allow journalists to join Nigerian troops during military operations as part of efforts to enhance transparency, improve the quality of security reporting, and deepen public understanding of counter-insurgency and internal security efforts.

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed that the Defence Ministry is exploring arrangements to embed selected journalists and media practitioners with military units during operations.

According to the Minister, the initiative will give journalists firsthand exposure to operational realities, the challenges faced by security personnel, and the sacrifices involved in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other threats.

“This will enable more accurate reporting and a deeper understanding of the situation on the ground,” Gen. Musa stated.

The move is seen as a significant step towards strengthening civil-military relations and promoting balanced coverage of security operations. It aligns with global practices of embedded journalism, where reporters are attached to military units to witness events directly while adhering to operational security protocols.

Details such as selection criteria for journalists, specific operations involved, and safety guidelines are expected to be outlined as the Defence Ministry finalizes the framework.

The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts to address insecurity across various parts of the country, particularly in the North East and North West.

The Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the indefinite suspension of the office of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra and the position of Director of Radio Biafra, positions previously held by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Directorate, following a full house meeting on 17th June 2026, said the decision forms part of ongoing efforts to reposition and strengthen the Biafran self-determination movement, making it more responsive to its core objectives.

The statement emphasised that IPOB is a collective self-determination movement formed and nurtured by Biafrans in the Diaspora, rather than by any single individual. It stressed that no individual has the authority to dissolve the Directorate of State, which remains the apex leadership organ of the movement. Any claim of dissolution of the Directorate was described as “ab initio null and void” and of no effect.

The Directorate cited security concerns as a major factor in the decision. It referenced intelligence reports regarding meetings between Nigerian security agencies (DSS and NIA) and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Sokoto prison, noting that all his communications and activities are closely monitored. The statement expressed worry that unguarded communications from prison have led to arrests and deaths of IPOB members in Biafraland.

It further highlighted concerns over alleged plans by certain individuals to establish a new militia aimed at instigating violence in the region, and moves perceived as attempting to dissolve the movement through the undermining of its apex leadership structure.

In light of these developments, the Directorate resolved to suspend the offices to:

• Safeguard IPOB operations and protect members, particularly those in Biafraland.
• Prevent security breaches and potential emergencies.
• Stop any criminal activities or violence being carried out under the authority of the suspended leadership position.
• Reaffirm IPOB’s commitment to a peaceful and non-violent pursuit of self-determination.

The statement added that any crimes or actions taken in the name of the now-suspended office of the Leader will not be attributed to IPOB, but solely to the individuals involved. The movement will only be accountable for actions authorised by the Directorate of State.

The announcement was signed by Mazi Chikadibia Edoziem, Head of the Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

This development marks a significant internal restructuring within the pro-Biafra movement amid ongoing tensions with Nigerian authorities.