Leadership changes within the Nigeria Police Force have once again drawn attention to one of the most visible offices in the organisation — the Force Public Relations Department.
The position of Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), widely regarded as the public face of the Nigeria Police Force, is now the subject of fresh discussion following the exit of ACP Benjamin Hundeyin from the role.
Security observers say the development has naturally raised a critical question within public, media and security circles: who becomes the next spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force?
ACP Benjamin Hundeyin assumed the role of Force Public Relations Officer after the redeployment of Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who had earlier served in the position before his promotion to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and subsequent posting to Delta State as DCP Operations.
Adejobi had held the office for about two years, including part of the tenure of former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
Following Adejobi’s redeployment, ACP Hundeyin stepped into the national spokesperson role after previously serving as Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Command.
However, his stay in the position lasted about six months before the latest leadership adjustments within the police hierarchy.
The office of the Force Public Relations Officer plays a strategic role in managing communication between the Nigeria Police Force and the public.
Beyond issuing press statements, the spokesperson is responsible for media relations, crisis communication, public engagement, and explaining police policies and operations to Nigerians.
In recent years, the role has become even more prominent due to the rapid growth of digital media and the increasing demand for real-time information from the public.
Observers say the Force Public Relations Office has evolved through the contributions of several officers who helped shape its communication culture over the years.
One of the most notable among them is Frank Mba, a former Force spokesperson who later rose to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police. During his tenure, Mba earned recognition for his articulate briefings and structured engagement with journalists.
The office later entered another phase under Adejobi, whose energetic communication style expanded the public visibility of the department.
By combining traditional media engagement with strong digital interaction, Adejobi significantly amplified police messaging and repositioned the department as a more active bridge between the police and the public.
ACP Hundeyin, who later took over the office, maintained a professional and calm communication approach during his relatively brief tenure.
The Search for the Next Police Spokesperson
With the position now open again, attention has turned to who will be appointed to take over the strategic role.
Traditionally, the Force Public Relations Officer is selected from senior officers who have served as command-level Police Public Relations Officers or who possess significant experience in media engagement within the Force.
Security analysts say whoever eventually assumes the role will be expected not only to continue the communication legacy built by previous spokespersons but also to adapt to the fast-changing media environment.
“The modern Force PRO must combine operational policing knowledge with strong media intelligence,” a security analyst said.
“The office today requires someone who understands public communication, crisis messaging and digital engagement.”
Until the Nigeria Police Force officially announces a replacement, the position remains open, leaving many observers watching closely to see who becomes the next face of police communication in Nigeria.