Nigeria has appointed a new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Okon Placid takes over from Benjamin Hundeyin.
The appointment was approved by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, according to a statement released on Sunday by the outgoing spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin.
Placid’s emergence as the new police spokesman comes just weeks after Disu assumed office as Nigeria’s police chief, a transition that has been accompanied by a broader reshuffle within the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
DCP Placid is widely regarded within the force as a seasoned and accomplished officer with extensive experience spanning administration, intelligence, operations, training, and international peacekeeping missions.
Born on December 2, 1970, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, he hails from Mbiokporo Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (M.A.L.D.) from the University of Jos. He also studied Law at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
Placid began his policing career as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Police Academy in Kano in 1996 and was formally commissioned into the Nigeria Police Force in August 1998.
Over the course of his career, he has undergone several professional and international trainings, including the United Nations Peace Operations Specialised Training (POST). Through these programmes, he earned certifications in areas such as police studies, military studies, gender awareness, international humanitarian law, human rights, and civilian protection. He also completed the UNITAR Senior Leadership and Peacebuilding Course in Kenya.
Throughout his years of service, DCP Placid has held several strategic roles both within Nigeria and internationally, contributing to policing operations, leadership development, and peacekeeping efforts.
According to Hundeyin, the new FPRO is happily married with children. Outside his professional duties, he enjoys listening to music and playing sports including football, basketball, table tennis, and badminton, as well as engaging with people.
About the Author
