In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian policing, one name stands out for its combination of extensive experience and academic prowess: Deputy Commissioner of Police Ahmed Lateef. Recently appointed as the IGP’s Principal Staff Officer, DCP Lateef brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that promises to enhance the efficiency of the Nigerian Police Force.
DCP Lateef is no stranger to high-stakes assignments. He was formerly the Head of the Lagos State Criminal Investigations Department, where he played a pivotal role in tackling crime in Nigeria’s bustling economic capital. Prior to this, he served as the Police Operations and FPU (Formed Police Unit) Coordinator for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), where he was deployed on 2nd February 2023. This international assignment showcased his capability in conflict areas and contributed to peacekeeping efforts on the African continent.
His impressive career trajectory includes serving as the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration and Operational Deployment of the Police Mobile Force. Moreover, DCP Lateef functioned as a Zonal Head of Operations and was a lead cybercrime investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His dedication to police administration extended to the African Union’s Peace Support Operations Department (PSOD), where he worked as an Operations, Planning, and Support Officer from 2013 to 2014.
DCP Lateef’s credentials also stretch into the realm of academia. He is a part-time lecturer at the School of Postgraduate Studies at Lagos State University and the Department of Criminology and Security Studies at Nile University, Abuja. His commitment to education mirrors his belief in the importance of knowledge transfer in enhancing national security policy and practice.
His educational background is nothing short of remarkable; DCP Lateef holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language from Lagos State University, a Master of Arts in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos, a Master’s in Criminology from City University London, and a PhD in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University in the United States.
DCP Lateef’s impressive qualifications are complemented by his participation in various international courses, including Counter Terrorism, Negotiating with Terrorists, and Global Peacekeeping Operations at CoESPU, as well as Tactical and Operational Command Courses and International Human Rights and Humanitarian Laws.
A professional scholar, DCP Ahmed Lateef is a highly motivated and analytical figure with strong expertise in policing, police management, criminology, and public policy. His commitment to the field is further underscored by his memberships in several prestigious bodies, including the International Institute of Professional Security, the Nigerian Institute of Management, and the American Society of Public Administrators, among others. He is also a Fellow of the International Association for Strategy Professionals and the International Security Organisation.
Since his appointment, Nigerians have been sending congratulatory messages to both DCP Lateef and the Inspector General of Police, praising the choice of DCP Ahmed Lateef, PhD, as a vital asset to the Nigerian Police Force. As he embarks on this new chapter as the IGP’s Principal Staff Officer, all eyes are on DCP Lateef, whose blend of practical experience and academic excellence may well signal a transformative era for the Nigerian Police Force.
