IGP Appoints Anthony Placid as New Police Spokesman

The Inspector‑General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Okon Placid as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force.

The announcement was made on Sunday, replacing Benjamin Hundeyin, whose tenure as the Force spokesman lasted less than six months. Hundeyin had been appointed in September 2025 by the former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.

DCP Placid hails from Mbiokporo Nsit, Nsit Ubiom Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State and has served in the Nigeria Police Force since 1996. A seasoned officer, he has extensive experience in administration, intelligence, operations, training, and international peacekeeping.

His academic qualifications include a BSc in Geography & Regional Planning from the University of Uyo, a Master’s in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos, and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the National Open University of Nigeria. Throughout his career, Placid has held senior positions both in Nigeria and abroad.

He has served as Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State, Chief of Training for the African Union Mission in Sudan, and Head of Training & Development for the United Nations Mission in Darfur.

The appointment comes shortly after IGP Disu assumed office on February 24, 2026. In addition to Placid’s appointment, the police have also created a New Media Office headed by Chief Superintendent of Police Ali Giwa, aimed at strengthening the force’s digital communication.

The role of the Force Public Relations Officer is central to shaping public perception of the police, managing media engagement, and providing transparency on security operations nationwide. Analysts say the move signals a strategic effort by the new IGP to improve public communication and modernize the force’s media operations.