Nigeria Police Force Appoints Anthony Placid as New Spokesperson
The Nigeria Police Force has officially announced the appointment of Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid as its new Force Public Relations Officer. This significant appointment was confirmed on March 8, 2026, in Abuja, with the outgoing spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin signing the official statement. The move comes shortly after the swearing-in of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, marking a fresh wave of leadership changes within the force aimed at enhancing public relations and operational effectiveness.
Background and Appointment Details
Anthony Placid's appointment follows the induction of Inspector-General Olatunji Disu, signaling a strategic shift in the Nigeria Police Force's leadership structure. The announcement was made public by Benjamin Hundeyin, who highlighted Placid's qualifications and extensive career in policing. This appointment is part of broader efforts to strengthen communication and transparency between the police and the Nigerian public, aligning with Disu's six-point agenda focused on professionalism, modernism, accountability, integrity, community partnership, and trust.
Key Facts About Anthony Placid
Here are ten essential details about the new police spokesperson, as outlined by Benjamin Hundeyin:
- Birth and Origin: Anthony Placid was born on December 2, 1970, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He hails from Mbiokporo Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.
- Educational Background: He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo.
- Advanced Degrees: Placid furthered his education with a Master of Arts degree in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos.
- Legal Studies: He pursued a Bachelor of Laws degree at the National Open University of Nigeria, Calabar Centre.
- Police Career Start: Placid began his career in the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Nigeria Police Academy in 1996 and was commissioned in August 1998.
- International Training: He has completed 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. He also undertook the UNITAR Senior Leadership and Peacebuilding course in Kenya.
- International Mission Experience: Placid has served in key roles such as Chief of Training at the African Union Mission in Sudan and Head of Training and Development at the United Nations Mission in Darfur. He also worked as an African Union Election Security Adviser.
- Domestic Policing Roles: Within Nigeria, he has held multiple positions, including Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State, Divisional Police Officer in various locations, Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Robbery Unit in Kaduna State, Assistant Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom and Kogi States, and Deputy in charge of Administration and Finance at Zone 3 Headquarters in Yola.
- National Institute Membership: Placid is a graduate of the Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and was inducted as a Member of the National Institute on December 13, 2025.
- Personal Life: Beyond his professional duties, Placid is married with children and enjoys listening to music and playing sports such as football, basketball, table tennis, and badminton.
Implications and Future Outlook
The appointment of Anthony Placid as the new Force Public Relations Officer is expected to bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Nigeria Police Force's communication strategies. His background in international missions and diverse domestic roles positions him well to address public relations challenges and foster better community engagement. This move aligns with Inspector-General Disu's vision for a more transparent and accountable police force, potentially enhancing public trust and operational efficiency in the coming years.
