The Nigeria Police Force has announced a new face as its national spokesperson. Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid as the new Force Public Relations Officer.
The appointment comes shortly after changes within the police leadership. Placid will replace Benjamin Hundeyin, who had served as the police spokesperson since September 2025.
The development was confirmed in an official statement released on Sunday. Interestingly, the announcement was made by the outgoing spokesperson, Hundeyin.
The Anthony Placid appointment as FPRO has drawn attention because of his long career within the Nigeria Police Force.
Meanwhile, Hundeyin had been appointed by the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. His tenure lasted several months before the new leadership introduced changes.
According to the statement, Placid was born on December 2, 1970, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He is from Mbiokporo Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.
Furthermore, the new police spokesperson has a strong academic background. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo.
In addition, he obtained a Master of Arts degree in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos. He also studied law at the National Open University of Nigeria.
Placid joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1996 as a cadet assistant superintendent of police. His training was conducted at the Police Academy in Kano.
Meanwhile, he was officially commissioned into the force in August 1998. Since then, he has served in several important roles across the country.
Over the years, Placid has built experience in operations, intelligence, and public relations. For instance, he previously served as Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State.
He also worked as spokesperson at the Police Staff College in Jos. These roles helped develop his communication and leadership skills.
Moreover, Placid has been involved in international peacekeeping operations. He served as Chief of Training for the African Union Mission in Sudan.
In addition, he worked as Head of Training and Development for the United Nations Mission in Darfur.
Within Nigeria, he has handled various operational responsibilities. These include roles as divisional police officer in Federal Housing Calabar, Bakassi, Uruan, and Gembu.
He also served as Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Robbery Unit in Kaduna State.
Furthermore, he worked as Assistant Commissioner of Police for Operations in both Akwa Ibom and Kogi states.
His career also includes service in intelligence and administration. For example, he served in the intelligence department in Abia State.
He also worked as deputy in charge of administration and finance at Zone 3 headquarters in Yola.
Therefore, the Anthony Placid appointment as FPRO is seen as a continuation of his long journey in policing and leadership.
