Adebola Ayinde Hamzat has been appointed as the new Assistant Inspector General of Police for the Zone 16 Command of the Nigerian Police, headquartered in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
This announcement was made in a statement by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Emonena Gunn, on Tuesday, following the retirement of the former AIG, Paul Alifa Omata.
“AIG Adebola Ayinde Hamzat, an indigene of Ifelodun L.G.A. in Kwara State, was commissioned into the Nigeria Police Force as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police on May 18, 1992,” the statement noted. Hamzat holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Ilorin, a Master’s in Conflict Management and Peace Studies from the University of Jos, and a PhD in Peace and Development Studies from the University of Ilorin.
He is described as a seasoned officer of repute and a distinguished fellow of the Defence College, the police statement highlighted Hamzat’s extensive experience within the force. He has held various roles and served globally, becoming well-known for his investigative skills and intelligence expertise. His operational background includes commendable duty tours with United Nations Missions in Kosovo (UNMIK) and Timor Leste (East Timor).
Prior to his recent appointment as the 9th Zonal Commander, AIG Hamzat was the immediate past AIG in charge of the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force. He has also served as the Commissioner of Police for both the Oyo State Police Command and the Border Patrol Force.
The statement urged the residents of Bayelsa and Rivers states to fully cooperate and support Hamzat to leverage his extensive knowledge and proven skills in policing, in alignment with Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s agenda.
