Sources close to the family revealed that Ayilara had undergone prostate cancer surgery on Wednesday. Unfortunately, complications arose, and he passed away just hours after the procedure. 

The family expressed their grief in a statement, saying, “We are very sad to inform you that our friend, brother, and family member, the Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State, Waheed Ayilara, is dead.”

A senior police officer in Akwa Ibom State, speaking on condition of anonymity, also confirmed the news of Ayilara's death, citing that they were not authorized to comment on the matter publicly.

Ayilara had a distinguished career in the Nigeria Police Force. In November 2023, he was appointed as the acting Commissioner of Police in Lagos, following his tenure as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department. He succeeded AIG Idowu Owohunwa in the role before his transfer to Akwa Ibom State.