Pix: Retired AIG Wilson Inalegwu

By Isiaka Mustapha, Chief Operating Officer/Editor-In-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

Wilson Inalegwu is a distinguished security management professional and public leader with over three decades of service dedicated to nation building and enhancing security in Nigeria. Throughout his impactful career in the Nigerian Police Force, he has made significant contributions both domestically and internationally, earning a reputation as a thought leader in security policy development, local security management, crime control, and counter-terrorism. He has actively participated in global peacekeeping operations, serving as a Team Leader and Chief of Operations at various United Nations missions, where he showcased his strategic acumen, operational expertise, and leadership in complex security environments.

Known for his passion for justice and social equity, Inalegwu combines professional discipline with a balanced perspective on society. He is widely regarded as a people-oriented leader, a friendly colleague, and a mentor who actively fosters the development of others. His unwavering commitment to excellence, dedication to duty, and determination to achieve optimal results have consistently defined his career.

Inalegwu’s career is marked by a series of high-profile and strategic appointments. He served as Assistant Inspector General of Police at Zone 9 Headquarters in Umuahia, and as Director of the Central Planning and Training Unit in Jos, Plateau State. He held Commissioner of Police roles in Kogi State, Ekiti State, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Counter-Terrorism Unit. Additionally, he was Commandant at the Police College Kaduna and held numerous operational leadership positions at the United Nations, including Chief of Operations at UNPOL Headquarters and Team Leader at UNPOL and UNAMSIL missions in Sierra Leone. His international experience also includes serving as Station Commander at UNCIVPOL in Namibia and providing mentoring at the Lungi International Airport in Sierra Leone. Domestically, he oversaw operations at divisional and state levels, including leadership roles in traffic management, crime investigation, and advanced training for officers at Police College Kaduna. His extensive experience reflects deep expertise in operational leadership, strategic planning, intelligence management, and complex problem-solving.

Inalegwu’s contributions to security have been recognized through numerous awards. These include the African Development Award of Excellence in Policy Administration and Organizational Management from IMPART Africa in 2019, Most Outstanding Security Operations Officer in West Africa in 2014, multiple commendations from the Inspector-General of Police in 2012, and the Gold Medal Award for Security Operations in Nigeria in 2011. He has also received accolades from regional organizations, including Security Watch Africa in South Africa and the Banjul Gambia Gold Medal Award. In addition, he was honoured by SERVICOM for his exemplary public service and has received multiple Commissioner of Police commendations.

Inalegwu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Studies with a focus on Accounting from the University of Jos, and completed his secondary education at Idoma Community Secondary School, Otukpo, Benue State. Throughout his career, he pursued extensive professional training, including the Senior Command Course, Intermediate Command Course, and Junior Command Course at Police Staff College Jos, as well as the Senior Traffic Management Course at Police College Ikeja and the Cadet ASP course. He also completed promotion and leadership courses to advance through the ranks of the Nigerian Police Force.

Wilson Inalegwu brings a rare combination of strategic leadership and practical operational skills. His expertise spans security management, policy development, strategy innovation, project management, risk analysis, public relations, financial planning, international policing, human resources management, and leadership in complex, high-pressure environments. He is also highly skilled in technical report writing, budget oversight, stakeholder management, team development, and mentoring.

Throughout his career, Inalegwu has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to public service, ethical conduct, and professional excellence. He believes in the transformative power of disciplined, integrity-driven leadership and the importance of building institutional capacity in security agencies. His dedication to justice, mentorship, and operational efficiency has left a lasting imprint on the Nigerian Police Force and the international security community.

With decades of experience at both national and global levels, Wilson Inalegwu exemplifies the qualities of a consummate security professional: strategic foresight, operational mastery, and a steadfast commitment to safeguarding communities. His selection as a guest speaker at this year’s People’s Security Monitor Security Summit reflects his ongoing influence in shaping Nigeria’s security landscape and his readiness to continue contributing his wealth of knowledge and leadership to national and international audiences.

In recognition of his expertise and distinguished career, AIG Wilson Inalegwu (Rtd) has been invited as one of the guest speakers at the 2025 Annual People’s Security Monitor Security Summit, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 10th December 2025, in Abuja. His participation in the summit underscores his continued relevance as a voice of authority on national security, law enforcement strategy, and public safety policy, and presents an opportunity for delegates to benefit from his vast experience and insights.