By Adesakin Adefemi
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has appointed DCP Anthony Okon Placid as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO).
The announcement was made by outgoing Force PRO ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, who described DCP Placid as a seasoned officer with extensive experience in administration, operations, intelligence, training, and international peacekeeping.
DCP Placid, born on December 2, 1970, in Uyo, hails from Mbiokporo Nsit, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos, and an LL.B from the National Open University of Nigeria.
DCP Placid joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Police Academy in Kano in 1996 and was commissioned in August 1998.
He has attended numerous professional and international courses, including United Nations Peace Operations Specialised Training (POST) and the UNITAR Senior Leadership and Peacebuilding course in Kenya.
He has served in key positions both within Nigeria and internationally, including Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State, PPRO at the Police Staff College in Jos, and Chief of Training for the African Union Mission in Sudan.
DCP Placid has also held roles such as Divisional Police Officer in Federal Housing Calabar, Bakassi, Uruan, and Gembu, and Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Robbery Unit in Kaduna State.
DCP Placid is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), a Commonwealth Human Rights Trainer, and an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Trainer on International Humanitarian Law.
He is a graduate of the Senior Executive Course (SEC 47) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and was inducted as a Member of the National Institute (mni) on December 13, 2025.
The new FPRO is married with children and enjoys listening to music, playing football, basketball, table tennis, badminton, and engaging with people.
ACP Benjamin Hundeyin praised DCP Placid’s extensive experience and expertise, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the police force’s communication efforts.
DCP Placid’s appointment is seen as a significant development in the Nigeria Police Force, with expectations that he will bring a fresh perspective to the role. The police force is undergoing reforms, and the new FPRO is expected to play a key role in shaping the force’s image and communication strategy.
The Nigeria Police Force has been under scrutiny in recent times, with calls for greater transparency and accountability. DCP Placid’s appointment is seen as an opportunity for the force to improve its public image and engagement.
DCP Placid’s experience in international peacekeeping and human rights training is expected to be an asset in his new role, as the police force seeks to improve its human rights record and build trust with the public.
