His Excellency Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, CFR (Rtd.), is a distinguished Nigerian diplomat, retired lieutenant general, accomplished criminologist, academic, and author with decades of experience in national security, public administration, and leadership.

He currently serves as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, with concurrent accreditation to Mongolia. He previously served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from 2008 to 2010 and as Honourable Minister of Interior from 2015 to 2019. He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Capital City University, Kano.

Commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry in 1977 following his training at the Nigerian Defence Academy, His Excellency held several distinguished command, instructional, and strategic appointments throughout his military career. These included Registrar of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Directing Staff at the National War College, and General Officer Commanding, 2 Infantry Division.

Beyond his military and public service accomplishments, Ambassador Dambazau has made significant contributions to academia. An alumnus of Barewa College, Zaria, he obtained degrees in Criminal Justice, Political Science, and Higher Education Administration from Kent State University, United States, before earning a PhD in Criminology from Keele University, United Kingdom, in 1989.

A respected scholar and author, he has published extensively on criminology, criminal justice, crime prevention, and security studies. He has also taught criminology at Ahmadu Bello University, contributing to the advancement of security education and research in Nigeria.

In recognition of his outstanding service to the nation, he has received several prestigious honours, including the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) and the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM). He also holds the revered traditional title of Baraden Kano.

Ambassador Dambazau brings to his diplomatic assignment a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, international cooperation, security affairs, and governance, with a commitment to strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Nigeria and China while advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and cultural interests.

He is married to Mrs. Hadiza Dambazau, and they are blessed with children and grandchildren.