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Taliban takeover in Afghanistan
The main developments since Taliban fighters took Kabul, confirming their takeover of power in Afghanistan after a stunningly swift end to the country’s 20-year war.
– At the gates –
On Sunday, Taliban fighters appear on the edge of Kabul after a lightning offensive that began in May as US and NATO troops began to withdraw.
In the space of 10 days, they seized city after city across the country without resistance.
– ‘Peaceful transfer’ –
“The Afghan people should not worry… there will be no attack on the city and there will be a peaceful transfer of power,” interior minister Abdul Sattar Mirzakwal says in a recorded speech.
Embattled President Ashraf Ghani urges government forces to maintain security in the capital.
A Qatar-based Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen says the group wants a swift takeover.
– Panic –
The international community is taken by surprise by the speed of the fall, with Pope Francis calling for “dialogue” and NATO urging “a political solution to the conflict”.
Russia works with other countries for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Panic spreads through Kabul, with shops closing and people seeking to withdraw their money from banks.
Foreign countries organise the evacuation of their citizens and Afghans who have worked for them.
– President Ghani flees –
On Sunday evening, former vice president Abdullah Abdullah announces that president Ghani has left the country.
Taliban fighters stand guard at an entrance gate outside the Interior Ministry in Kabul on August 17, 2021. (Photo by Javed Tanveer / AFP)
The Taliban then say their militants have entered multiple districts of the capital.
– ‘The Taliban have won’ –
Television images show the Taliban have entered the capital and seized the presidential palace.
In a message on Facebook, Ghani says he has fled to avoid a “flood of bloodshed” and that the “Taliban have won”.
He does not give his location but the local Tolo media organisation suggests he is in Tajikistan.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urges the Taliban to “exercise utmost restraint”.
– Chaos at airport –
People besiege the airport, the only exit route from the country, and chaos breaks out on the tarmac, carrying on into Monday as people try to board the few flights available.
US troops open fire, killing two armed men, the Pentagon says. All military and civilian flights are halted at Kabul airport.
– International ‘failure’ –
Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson calls for G7 leaders to hold a virtual meeting “in the coming days”. Defence Minister Ben Wallace says the Taliban takeover is a “failure of the international community”.
The withdrawal of Western troops from Afghanistan is the “biggest debacle” that NATO has suffered since its founding, the head of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s party Armin Laschet says.
China becomes the first country to say it is ready to deepen “friendly and cooperative” relations with Afghanistan, while the Russian foreign ministry says the situation in Kabul “is stabilising”.
– ‘Terrorism’ threat –
The UN Security Council says the international community must ensure Afghanistan does not become a breeding ground for terrorism under the Taliban, following an emergency meeting in New York.
French President Emmanuel Macron adds Afghanistan should not become again the “sanctuary of terrorism”.
– Biden defends exit –
US President Joe Biden cuts short his vacation to address the nation.
Speaking from the White House he insists he has no regrets and emphasises US troops cannot defend a nation whose leaders “gave up and fled”.
“We gave them every chance to determine their own future. We could not provide them with the will to fight for that future,” Biden says.
– Back to work –
The Taliban move quickly on Tuesday to restart Kabul, telling government staff to resume their duties “without any fear”. Some shops reopen and evacuation flights from Kabul’s airport restart.
– No forced returns –
The UN refugee agency says it has released a “non-return advisory” for Afghanistan, insisting no Afghan nationals should be forced to return to their conflict-torn nation.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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