The Nigeria Police Force has a new voice and public face following the appointment of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Anthony Okon Placid, as the Force Public Relations Officer.
Placid was recently appointed by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to oversee the image management and public communication responsibilities of the Force.
His appointment places him at the forefront of the Nigeria Police Force’s engagement with the media and the public at a time when strategic communication has become increasingly vital to modern policing.
From ACP Hundeyin to DCP Placid: A Transition
Placid’s appointment follows the recent exit of Benjamin Hundeyin, who served as the Force Public Relations Officer for about six months after succeeding Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Hundeyin, previously the Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Command, brought a calm and structured communication approach to the office during his tenure.
His exit and Placid’s assumption of the office mark another transition in the leadership of the Force Public Relations Department, an office that continues to play a critical role in shaping public engagement with the Nigeria Police Force.
Analysts say Nigerians are watching closely, expecting the new Force PRO to build on the legacies of past spokesmen while also bringing fresh energy and innovation to police communication.
His Early Life and Education
Born on December 2, 1970, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Placid hails from Mbiokporo Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of the state.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos.
He also studied Law at the National Open University of Nigeria.
His Policing Journey
Placid joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Nigeria Police Academy, Kano, in 1996 and was commissioned in August 1998.
He has built extensive experience across administration, intelligence, operations, and international peacekeeping assignments.
His career has taken him through several strategic roles, including Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State and PPRO at the Police Staff College in Jos.
He also served internationally as Chief of Training with the African Union Mission in Sudan and Head of Training and Development with the United Nations Mission in Darfur.
Within Nigeria, Placid has held operational leadership roles as Divisional Police Officer in Calabar, Bakassi, Uruan, and Gembu, as well as Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Robbery Unit in Kaduna State.
Strategic Leadership and Policy Training
A graduate of the Senior Executive Course (SEC 47) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, he was inducted as a Member of the National Institute in December 2025.
He is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and serves as a trainer on International Humanitarian Law with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Leading the Nigeria Police Public Narrative
As the Force Public Relations Officer, Placid is expected to lead the Nigeria Police Force’s communication strategy and strengthen engagement between the Force, the media, and the Nigerian public.
Observers note that while the office has benefited from the calm professionalism of ACP Hundeyin, Nigerians are now hoping for a combination of experienced leadership, energetic communication, and innovative public engagement from DCP Placid.
The challenge will be to build on the legacy of past Force PROs, including Frank Mba and Olumuyiwa Adejobi, while also adapting to the evolving digital media landscape and public expectations.