IGP Disu Appoints DCP Anthony Placid as New Police Spokesman

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 from Benjamin Hundeyin, who has been redeployed to another assignment within the force.

A seasoned officer with nearly three decades of service, Placid brings to the role a wealth of experience in administration, operations, intelligence gathering, training, and international peacekeeping.

Born on December 2, 1970, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Placid hails from Mbiokporo Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area. His journey in the police force began in 1996 when he was admitted into the Police Academy in Kano as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. Two years later, in August 1998, he was formally commissioned into the force.

Beyond policing, Placid has invested heavily in education and professional development. 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. He also studied Law at the National Open University of Nigeria, where he obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB).

Throughout his career, Placid has attended several professional and international courses aimed at strengthening his expertise in security operations and peacekeeping. These include the United Nations Peace Operations Specialised Training (POST), where he obtained 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.

His policing experience spans a variety of strategic roles both within Nigeria and abroad. He has served as Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State and at the Police Staff College in Jos. Internationally, he worked with the African Union Mission in Sudan as Chief of Training and later served as Head of Training and Development with the United Nations Mission in Darfur.

Within Nigeria, Placid has also held operational roles as Divisional Police Officer in several locations, including Federal Housing in Calabar, Bakassi, Uruan, and Gembu. He has served as Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Robbery Unit in Kaduna State and later as Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Akwa Ibom and Kogi states. He also worked in intelligence operations in Abia State and handled administrative responsibilities at the Zone 3 Headquarters in Yola.

Beyond his operational duties, Placid is actively involved in international professional networks. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and a Commonwealth-certified human rights trainer. He is also an instructor for the International Committee of the Red Cross on International Humanitarian Law.

In 2025, he completed the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and was inducted as a Member of the National Institute (mni), a recognition reserved for senior leaders in public service.

Colleagues describe Placid as a disciplined officer who values teamwork and community engagement—qualities that many believe will shape his approach as the new face of police communication.

Away from duty, he enjoys listening to music and playing sports, including football, basketball, table tennis, and badminton. He is married and blessed with children.

His appointment is expected to usher in a new chapter in how the Nigeria Police communicates with the public, as the force continues its efforts to strengthen trust and transparency with citizens.