Inspector General of police Tunji Disu appoints DCP Anthony Okon as new Force PRO
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the appointment of Anthony Okon Placid, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force.
The appointment marks a significant leadership change in the communication arm of the police, as Placid takes over the role of chief spokesperson responsible for managing the Force’s relationship with the media and the public.
The appointment, approved on March 8, 2026, follows the removal of the outgoing police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, who had served as the Force Public Relations Officer and was previously known for regularly briefing the public on police operations and security matters.
DCP Anthony Okon Placid, a seasoned officer with decades of service in the Nigeria Police Force, brings extensive experience in administration, operations, intelligence, and international peacekeeping to the position. Born on December 2, 1970, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, he joined the police as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Police Academy in Kano in 1996 and was commissioned in 1998.
Throughout his career, Placid has served in several strategic positions across the country.
His previous roles include Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State and at the Police Staff College in Jos, Divisional Police Officer in multiple divisions, and Assistant Commissioner of Police in operations and intelligence units in different states.
He has also participated in international assignments with the African Union and United Nations missions in Sudan and Darfur.
The development is part of a broader restructuring within the Nigeria Police communication framework under IGP Disu.
Alongside the appointment, the Force has reportedly created a new “New Media Office” to strengthen digital communication and engagement with the public through online platforms.
With this new role, DCP Anthony Okon Placid is expected to oversee public communication for the Nigeria Police Force, provide timely information on security developments, and strengthen transparency between the police institution, the media, and Nigerian citizens.