The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the appointment of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Anthony Okon Placid, as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force.
Placid takes over the strategic position at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, bringing with him decades of policing experience spanning administration, operations, intelligence, training, and international peacekeeping assignments.
The appointment was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by the outgoing Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.
Hundeyin said the new police spokesman’s appointment reflects the Inspector-General’s commitment to strengthening strategic communication and public engagement within the Force.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the appointment of DCP Anthony Okon Placid as the new Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force,” Hundeyin stated.
“DCP Placid is a seasoned officer of the Nigeria Police Force with extensive experience in administration, operations, intelligence, training and international peacekeeping missions,” he added.
Born on December 2, 1970 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Placid hails from Mbiokporo Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of the state.
According to Hundeyin, the newly appointed FPRO possesses strong academic credentials and professional training that have prepared him for the demanding role of managing the image and communication of the Police Force.
“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, while also studying Law at the National Open University of Nigeria,” Hundeyin said.
Placid joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1996 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Police Academy in Kano and was commissioned into the Force in August 1998.
The statement noted that throughout his career, the senior officer has undergone several professional and international training programmes, including the United Nations Peace Operations Specialised Training course.
“He has attended several professional and international courses including the United Nations Peace Operations Specialised Training with certifications in Police Studies, Military Studies, Gender Awareness, International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights and Civilian Protection,” Hundeyin explained.
“He also participated in the UNITAR Senior Leadership and Peacebuilding course in Kenya, which further enhanced his capacity in conflict resolution and peace operations,” he added.
Over the years, Placid has served in several key operational and administrative roles both within Nigeria and in international peacekeeping missions.
His postings include serving as Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State and at the Police Staff College in Jos, as well as Chief of Training for the African Union Mission in Sudan and Head of Training and Development at the United Nations Mission in Darfur.
Other assignments include Divisional Police Officer in Federal Housing Calabar, Bakassi, Uruan and Gembu, as well as Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Robbery Unit in Kaduna State.
He also served as African Union Election Security Adviser, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Akwa Ibom State and Kogi State, Assistant Commissioner of Police in the Intelligence Department in Abia State, and Deputy in charge of Administration and Finance at Zone 3 Headquarters in Yola.
Hundeyin further noted that Placid is widely recognised in international policing circles and professional organisations.
“DCP Anthony Placid is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and also serves as a Commonwealth Human Rights Trainer and International Committee of the Red Cross trainer on International Humanitarian Law,” he said.
He is also a graduate of the Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, where he was inducted as a Member of the National Institute on December 13, 2025.
Hundeyin added that the new Force spokesman was redeployed to Cross River State shortly after completing the programme before his latest appointment by the Inspector-General.
“DCP Placid is happily married with children and enjoys listening to good music, playing football, basketball, table tennis and badminton, as well as engaging with people,” Hundeyin said.
The Police leadership expressed confidence that Placid’s wealth of operational, administrative and international experience would further strengthen the Force’s communication strategy and public engagement.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to professional policing, transparency and improved engagement with the public, and the appointment of DCP Anthony Placid reflects this commitment,” Hundeyin stated.
