Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the appointment of a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Muhammad Shehu Dalijan, as the new State Commandant of the Community Protection Guards.
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was disclosed on Monday, December 29, by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada.
Nakwada said the governor has also ordered a comprehensive overhaul of the Community Protection Guards to address lingering operational and administrative challenges affecting the agency’s efficiency and service delivery.
According to him, the restructuring is aimed at repositioning the outfit to better support the state’s security architecture, particularly in tackling banditry and other criminal activities across Zamfara.
In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Suleman Ahmad Tudu, the government said Dalijan brings over 30 years of experience in policing, security management and leadership to the role.
The statement noted that the retired AIG has strong expertise in community-based policing, counter-terrorism operations and internal security management.
“Dr. Dalijan served as Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State between 2023 and 2025 and is well familiar with the security terrain and peculiar challenges of the state,” the statement read.
Dalijan has held several strategic positions across the country, including Police Component Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole in the North-East, Deputy Commandant of the Police College, Kaduna, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Rivers State.
He also served as Coordinator of Operation Restore Peace in the South-South region.
Until his retirement in June 2025, Dalijan was the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Counter-Terrorism at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The new Commandant holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, as well as Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Criminology from the University of Abuja.
Governor Lawal expressed confidence that Dalijan’s experience and familiarity with Zamfara’s security challenges would help reposition the Community Protection Guards to effectively deliver on its mandate in line with the administration’s rescue agenda.
The governor also commended the immediate past Commandant for his service to the state, prayed for his speedy recovery and assured him of the government’s continued support.