Former Enugu Police Commissioner, AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu, Dies After Cancer Battle

Our Reporter 

Former Commissioner of Police in Enugu State and Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 9 Headquarters, Umuahia, Kanayo Uzuegbu, is dead.

Uzuegbu reportedly passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State confirmed the development on Saturday in Umuahia while addressing a public gathering, announcing the death of the senior police officer.

According to the governor, the late AIG succumbed to complications arising from cancer.

Otti described Uzuegbu as a diligent, hardworking and committed officer who served the Nigeria Police Force with professionalism, integrity and dedication throughout his career.

The governor led a minute of silence in honour of the deceased during proceedings at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, where he was delivering his acceptance speech after emerging as the Labour Party governorship candidate for a second term ahead of the 2027 election.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the late officer and asked God to grant comfort to his family, colleagues, friends and associates during the period of mourning.

The death of Uzuegbu has sparked grief within the police community and among stakeholders who worked closely with him during his distinguished service in the Nigeria Police Force.

As Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, a position he assumed in August 2023, Uzuegbu played a key role in maintaining security and responding to major security challenges in the state.

One of the notable incidents during his tenure occurred in April 2024 when suspected herders attacked mourners in Ugwuijero, Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, leaving four persons dead.

Following the attack, Uzuegbu coordinated security operations and swiftly deployed tactical teams to the affected community to restore order and pursue the perpetrators.

He was later promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and posted to Zone 9 Headquarters in Umuahia, where he continued to oversee policing operations across the zone until his death.

Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, government officials and members of the public, who remember him for his commitment to public safety and professional policing.

Details of his funeral arrangements have yet to be announced by his family.