A sudden leadership shift has rocked the Nigeria Police Force after Benjamin Hundeyin was removed as FPRO, barely six months after assuming the role.
The move has raised questions across security and political circles, especially as it comes just hours after a new Inspector-General of Police officially took office.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) confirmed that Assistant Commissioner of Police, Benjamin Hundeyin, has been relieved of his duties as the Force Public Relations Officer. The decision reportedly took effect on Thursday morning following internal approvals that began earlier in the day.
However, the reason behind the sudden decision has not been officially disclosed. Meanwhile, the development has created uncertainty within the police hierarchy as officers await further announcements.
The removal came less than 24 hours after Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu was formally sworn in by President Bola Tinubu as the 23rd IGP.
Consequently, the move is being viewed as part of an early restructuring within the leadership of the force.
According to sources within the police command, the decision was carried out quietly but quickly.
Confirming the development, a senior insider said, “The Force Public Relations has been removed this morning.”
However, the same source explained that the next spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force has not yet been announced.
“We don’t know who will take over from him, although we thought he would last longer considering his expertise,” the source said.
“However when a new IGP is appointed, it is not news that some positions would be vacant, unfortunately, he was affected.”
Meanwhile, the sudden development has fueled speculation about broader leadership changes under the new police chief.
Benjamin Hundeyin had been appointed to the strategic role by former Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, who led the police since 2023 before his removal last week.
The Badagry-born police officer built a strong reputation as a communication strategist during his time in the force. Moreover, he became widely known for his active engagement with the public and media while serving as spokesperson.
Before his appointment as Force Public Relations Officer, Hundeyin served as Police Public Relations Officer at the Zone 2 Command Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos.
In addition, he represented Nigeria in international peacekeeping operations. He participated in the United Nations–African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) in 2020.
Academically, Hundeyin holds a BA in English Language from Lagos State University. Furthermore, he earned a Master’s degree in Legal Criminology and Security Psychology from the University of Ibadan.
His professional training also includes a Certificate in Civil-Military Coordination from the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Training Centre in Kaduna.
