Emeka, replaces the Late AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu, who died more than a month ago, after a brief illness.

According to a statement by the Zone's spokesperson, Iheanetu Bruno Chukwudera, a Superintendent of Police (SP), Emeka, who holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Psychology (Personnel Mgt), among other academic and professional certifications, has served the Nigerian Police at various capacities in the country and overseas.

The statement read: "The Zone 9 Police Command Headquarters, Umuahia, wishes to inform the general public that AIG Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, PhD, LLB, psc(+) has assumed duty as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9 Headquarters, Umuahia, overseeing policing activities in Abia, Imo and Ebonyi States.

"AIG Nwonyi is a seasoned law enforcement officer whose illustrious career is underscored by exceptional academic attainment, extensive professional training and distinguished service in the Nigeria Police Force."

The statement listed Emeka's academic qualifications: First School Leaving Certificate – Central School Onueke-Ezza (1971–1978); WAEC – Opi Boys Sec. School (1980–1987); B.Sc Psychology – UNIZIK (1988–1992); NYSC – University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (1993);
Cadet ASP Course – Police Academy POLAC, Kano (1994–1996); PGD in Management – IMSU (1999–2000); MPA in Public Administration – UNIZIK (2001–2002); MBA in Business Administration – IMSU (2002–2003); M.Phil in Psychology – OOSU (2009–2010); LL.B in Law – National Open University (2009–2014); and a Ph.D Applied Psychology (Personnel Mgt) – Olabisi Onabanjo University (2010–2014)."

Chukwudera, disclosed the AIG's professional courses attended to include, "Nigeria Police Academy, Kano (1994–1996); Commercial Crime Investigation – South Africa (2004); Terrorism Financing & Money Laundering – FBI USA (2004); Investigative Management – UK (2005); Company Direction Course – Lagos Business School (2006); Detection & Enforcement Series – IFES Nigeria (2006); Train the Trainer – EFCC Abuja (2007); Financial Crimes – KPMG South Africa (2007); Intelligence Support System – Washington DC, USA (2009); Cyber Crime Investigation (Interrogation/Interview) – FBI USA (2014); and Global Cyber Security/Crime Financing – Dallas, Texas, USA (2015)."

His working experience, the statement informed, includes,
"AIG, Commandant Police Staff College, Jos (2024–2025); Commissioner of Police (CP), DI.S (PPP) FIQ Abuja (2023–2024); CP, Rivers State Command (2023); CP, Force CID Annex, Enugu (2022); DCP, X-Squad, Force CID Annex, Lagos (2020); DCP, Research and Planning, Abuja (2018); DCP, Maritime Department, Lagos (2018); Area Commander, Eket, Akwa Ibom (2017); Area Commander, Abeokuta, Ogun State (2017); Head of Operations, EFCC (South-South, South-East, North-East Zonal Offices) (2004–2008);
Zonal Commander, Anti-Robbery, Zone 6 Calabar (covering multiple states); and Various roles: DCO, A/O, DTO, P&G, CSP 'A', DPO in Cross River, Lagos, Niger, Ogun States."

On professional affiliations he has earned, the statement listed: "Fellow, Economic Institute; Fellow, Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria;
Distinguished Fellow, Institute of Credit and Risk Management;
Distinguished Fellow, International Association of World Peace Advocates (DF:IAWPA); Fellow, Centre for Human Rights and Gender Equality (CHURGE), TASUD, Ogun State; Fellow, National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration; Member, Society for Peace Studies and Practice (MSPSP); Fellow, Nigeria Institute of Social Media Analysis (F.NISMA); and Fellow, National Institute of Office Administrators and Information Managers (F.NIOAIM)."

The spokesperson noted that the new AIG solicited the cooperation of all residents, the media among others, in the zone, pledging to ensure security of lives and property.

"The Assistant Inspector-General of Police therefore solicits the continued support, cooperation and collaboration of residents, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organisations, civil society organisations, the media and other critical stakeholders. He urges members of the public to continue providing timely, credible and actionable information that will assist the Police in combating crime and criminality, thereby fostering a safer and more secure Zone for all," the statement solicited.