New Force Public Relations Officer Appointed
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the appointment of a new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO). The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has approved the appointment of Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid to this role. The announcement was made on Sunday by the outgoing Force spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, during a statement issued at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Placid, a seasoned officer with decades of service in the police force, brings extensive experience across various areas including administration, operations, intelligence, training, and international peacekeeping. His background makes him well-suited for the responsibilities associated with the FPRO position.
Background and Education
Born on December 2, 1970, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Placid comes from Mbiokporo Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of the state. He pursued his education at the University of Uyo, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning. Later, he obtained a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos. Additionally, he studied Law at the National Open University of Nigeria, completing a Bachelor of Laws degree.
Career Path and Professional Development
Placid joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1996 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Nigeria Police Academy Kano. He was commissioned into the force in August 1998. Over the years, he has attended several professional and international training programmes, including the United Nations Peace Operations Specialised Training (POST). He holds certifications in 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. These qualifications highlight his commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Key Assignments and Roles
Throughout his career, Placid has held several strategic roles within and outside Nigeria. His previous postings include Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State and at the Police Staff College in Jos. He also served as Chief of Training for the African Union Mission in Sudan and later as Head of Training and Development at the United Nations–African Union Mission in Darfur.
Other assignments include Divisional Police Officer in Federal Housing Calabar, Bakassi, Uruan, and Gembu; Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Robbery Unit in Kaduna State; African Union Election Security Adviser; Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Akwa Ibom and Kogi States; 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.
Professional Affiliations and Achievements
Placid is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and serves as a Commonwealth Human Rights Trainer as well as an International Committee of the Red Cross trainer on International Humanitarian Law. In December 2025, he completed the Senior Executive Course (SEC 47) at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and was inducted as a Member of the National Institute (mni).
Personal Life
The newly appointed police spokesman is married with children. In his spare time, he enjoys listening to music and playing football, basketball, table tennis, and badminton.
