Umuaka, Southeast in shock as AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu dies after a battle with cancer.

Umuaka community in Njaba Local Government Area and Imo State were plunged into mourning on Saturday being 30 May 2026 following the announcement of the death of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9 Headquarters, Umuahia, AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu psc(+). Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, disclosed the development during his acceptance speech after emerging as the Labour Party’s governorship candidate for a second term ahead of the 2027 elections. Governor Otti said the senior officer died after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Details surrounding the circumstances of his death remained sketchy as at press time last night but Umuaka Times correspondents in American reported that the police chief died in a foreign hospital.

Describing the late AIG as diligent, hardworking and committed, Governor Otti said Uzuegbu served the nation with dedication and professionalism. He prayed for the repose of his soul and urged God to grant the family, colleagues and associates the fortitude to bear the loss.

AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu was a senior officer of the Nigeria Police Force. The rank of Assistant Inspector-General is the grade immediately below Deputy Inspector-General. The late Uzuegbu joined the Nigerian Police Force in 1992 as Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.  His academic qualifications include Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Philosophy, University of Port Harcourt; Higher Diploma in Strategic Studies, University of Maiduguri; Master of Science in Peace and Conflict Resolution, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

With over 33 years of service, AIG Uzuegbu held several strategic positions before his deployment to Zone 9. His postings include Divisional Police Officer in multiple state commands, Provost Marshal, Benue State Command Squadron Commander, No. 15 Police Mobile Force, Ilorin, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, Zone 9 Umuahia,  Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command,  Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 9, Umuahia – a position he assumed in 2023/2024 until his sudden death. This position comprises Abia, Imo and Ebonyi states.

Throughout his career, AIG Uzuegbu was noted for his firm stance against criminality and his emphasis on professionalism. He issued clear directives to criminals, declaring that no part of Zone 9 would serve as a haven for unlawful activities. He also maintained a zero-tolerance policy toward extortion and unethical conduct among officers, repeatedly stressing that “unethical conduct is unacceptable. You must perform your job as stipulated by law.”During a working visit to the Ebonyi State Command, he commended officers for operational gains against security threats in the area.

Uzuegbu further cultivated strong relations with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, advocating for developmental journalism and objective reportage. Colleagues described him as principled, dedicated and people-centred, noting his combination of professional rigour and personal compassion. The death of AIG Uzuegbu has been received with grief across the Nigeria Police Force and among stakeholders who worked closely with him during the years of his distinguished career.