By Zubairu Idris
Katsina, Jan. 6, 2026 (NAN) – In a strategic deployment aimed at bolstering security in a critical region, Mr. Umar Nadada has formally assumed duty as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 14. This zone, with its headquarters in Katsina, encompasses the strategically important and often challenging states of Kaduna and Katsina.
The announcement was made by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Umar Muhammad, in an official statement released in Katsina on Tuesday.
The statement described AIG Nadada as a professional officer with a profound commitment to effective, community-centric policing. His mandate is explicitly focused on crime prevention and, crucially, on rebuilding public trust and confidence in the Nigeria Police Force. This focus is particularly significant for Zone 14, where communities have faced severe security challenges, including banditry and kidnapping. His approach suggests a potential shift towards intelligence-led policing and stronger collaboration with local communities.
AIG Nadada is not new to the complexities of the region. As a seasoned officer with decades of experience, he has served in a wide array of operational, investigative, and administrative roles across Nigeria. This diverse background provides him with a holistic understanding of police work, from frontline operations to high-level strategic planning.
Educational and Professional Profile:
AIG Nadada brings both academic rigor and practical experience to his new role. He is an indigene of Rano Local Government in Kano State. His academic qualifications include:
- A Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Applied Biology from Bayero University, Kano (1989). This scientific background can inform a methodical, evidence-based approach to crime scene management and investigation.
- A Master’s degree in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (MLCJ) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (2010). This advanced degree signifies a deep theoretical and practical understanding of modern criminal justice systems, policy, and reform.
He began his distinguished career on May 18, 1992, when he was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). His foundational training was conducted at the prestigious Nigeria Police Academy, Annex, in Kaduna—a city now under his zonal command.
Path to Leadership:
Rising steadily through the ranks, Nadada’s career trajectory highlights a blend of field command and headquarters expertise. His most notable previous postings include:
- Commissioner of Police, Katsina State: This prior experience is invaluable. He is already familiar with the specific security dynamics, key stakeholders, and institutional landscape of one of the two states in his zone. He is not starting from scratch.
- Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State: Service in another state provides him with a comparative perspective on managing different security environments.
- AIG, Department of Research and Planning, Force Headquarters, Abuja: This role at the very apex of the police force would have involved strategic policy formulation, data analysis, and long-term planning for the entire nation. This experience equips him to design and implement data-driven security strategies for Zone 14.
His assumption of duty comes at a pivotal time. The public and observers will be watching closely to see how his stated commitment to professionalism and public trust translates into tangible strategies to address the entrenched security issues in Kaduna and Katsina. His combined experience as a former CP in the zone and a strategic planner at headquarters positions him uniquely to understand both the ground realities and the broader policy framework needed for sustainable improvement.
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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
