By George Dike, Osogbo
A new chapter has begun at the Nigeria Police Force Zone XI Command Headquarters, Osogbo, following the assumption of office of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Fasuba Akinyele Olabode, who has pledged to strengthen security, improve policing strategies and deepen collaboration with stakeholders across the zone.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Zone XI Command, SP Ojedokun Olanrewaju Tunji, who confirmed that the senior police officer had officially taken over leadership of the command following the retirement of his predecessor.
Zone XI of the Nigeria Police Force oversees police operations in Osun, Oyo and Ekiti states, making it one of the most strategic police formations in the South-West geopolitical zone.
AIG Fasuba, an indigene of Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State, brings to his new assignment more than three decades of policing experience spanning operational, investigative, administrative and leadership responsibilities across several states and strategic departments of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the statement, the new AIG holds both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Geography from the University of Ibadan, obtained in 1986 and 1988 respectively, reflecting a strong academic foundation that has complemented his distinguished policing career.
The senior officer has also undergone extensive professional training both within Nigeria and abroad. Among the notable courses attended by the new Zone XI helmsman are the Community Policing Course in Houston, Texas, United States, the Intermediate Command Course at the Police Staff College, Jos, and the Strategic Leadership Command Course, also at the Police Staff College, Jos.
Observers say the blend of academic excellence, professional training and practical policing experience positions him well to confront contemporary security challenges confronting communities within the zone.
AIG Fasuba began his journey in the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 when he was enlisted as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police under Course 17. Since then, he has steadily risen through the ranks while serving in various capacities across the country.
His early years in service saw him posted to Lagos State Command, where he served between 1994 and 2002. He subsequently worked in Benue State Command from 2002 to 2007 before moving to Ondo State Command, where he served between 2008 and 2012.
The seasoned officer also served in Kano State Command, Oyo State Command and Zone 3 Command Headquarters in Yola, Adamawa State, gaining valuable exposure to different security environments and operational realities across Nigeria.
Following his promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police in 2015, he served as Area Commander in several strategic locations, including Otukpo in Benue State, Langtang in Plateau State and Omu-Aran in Kwara State.
His outstanding performance in those assignments earned him further responsibilities and promotions within the Force hierarchy.
In 2019, he was posted to Sokoto State Command and subsequently promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police. He later served at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Unit, where he played key roles in election security management and coordination.
He also served as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in Plateau State Command, a state often confronted by complex security challenges requiring strategic policing responses.
Thereafter, he was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police, Anti-Fraud Section, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Area 10, Abuja, where he contributed significantly to the fight against financial crimes and fraud-related offences.
His rise through the ranks continued with his promotion to Commissioner of Police. In that capacity, he served as Commandant of the Police Detective College in Enugu and later as Commandant of the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, where he played important roles in police training and capacity development.
He was also appointed Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), FCID Abuja, one of the country’s foremost investigative units responsible for handling complex fraud and financial crime cases.
In March 2025, he attained the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and was deployed to Force Headquarters, Abuja, as AIG in charge of Investment. He served in that capacity until May 2026 before his latest appointment as AIG in charge of Zone XI Command Headquarters, Osogbo.
Police authorities described his appointment as a recognition of his professionalism, competence, vast experience and exemplary service record accumulated over several decades in the Force.
Security analysts believe his extensive background in operations, investigations, training and administration could prove valuable in addressing emerging security concerns within Osun, Oyo and Ekiti states.
Speaking through the statement, AIG Fasuba assured residents, traditional rulers, community leaders, security stakeholders and members of the public that he remains committed to the core mandates of the Nigeria Police Force, including the protection of lives and property, crime prevention and maintenance of law and order.
He emphasized the need for stronger cooperation between the police and the public, noting that effective policing can only be achieved through collaboration and information sharing.
The new police chief therefore appealed to residents of the three states under the zone to support security agencies by providing useful and timely information capable of preventing crime and improving public safety.
He also reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professionalism, accountability and community-oriented policing, promising to build on existing security structures and partnerships to enhance peace and stability across the zone.
His assumption of office comes at a period when security agencies across the South-West are intensifying efforts to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery, cybercrime, cult-related activities and other emerging threats.
Stakeholders are optimistic that the wealth of experience and leadership qualities of the new AIG will further strengthen policing operations and contribute significantly to maintaining peace and security across the Zone XI Command area.
