The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has passed away following cancer-related complications.His death was confirmed after Abia State Governor Alex Otti announced it shortly after the Labour Party primaries held on Saturday.

Governor Otti explained that the late AIG had been receiving medical attention, including treatment in Enugu, as efforts were made to stabilise his condition.

According to him, there were plans to transfer Uzuegbu back to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, before his passing was eventually confirmed by the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Danladi Isa.Governor Otti described the late senior officer as a good man and directed that a minute of silence be observed in his honour.Uzuegbu had resumed duty as AIG of Zone 9 only last year, and his death has been described as a painful loss to the Nigeria Police Force.Former Abia State Governors, Orji Uzor Kalu and Theodore Orji, also expressed deep sorrow over his passing.

In his condolence message, Kalu praised Uzuegbu as a disciplined, dedicated, and highly professional officer who served Nigeria with commitment and contributed significantly to peace and security, especially in the South-East region.

He extended condolences to the Inspector General of Police, officers and men of the force, as well as the governments and people of Abia and Imo States, and the family of the deceased.Theodore Orji, speaking through his aide, also described the death as shocking and untimely, praying for strength for those left behind.The incident has drawn widespread sympathy across political and security circles in Nigeria.