Photo: DCP Anthony Okon Placid, new FPRO
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 of the Nigeria Police Force.
Placid, a seasoned officer with extensive experience in administration, operations, intelligence, training and international peacekeeping, takes over the position following the exit of the outgoing spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin.
Born on December 2, 1970, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Placid hails from Mbiokporo Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos, and also studied for a Bachelor of Laws degree at the National Open University of Nigeria.
He joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Police Academy Kano in 1996 and was commissioned in August 1998.
Throughout his career, Placid has undertaken several professional and international courses, including the United Nations Peace Operations Specialised Training, where he earned 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.
He has served in several strategic capacities both within and outside Nigeria, including Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State and at the Police Staff College, Jos; Chief of Training at the African Union Mission in Sudan; and Head of Training and Development at the United Nations Mission in Darfur.
Placid also served as 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.
He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and also serves as a Commonwealth Human Rights Trainer as well as an International Committee of the Red Cross trainer on International Humanitarian Law.
Placid is a graduate of the Senior Executive Course (SEC 47) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, where he was inducted as a Member of the National Institute on December 13, 2025, before his redeployment to Cross River State.
He is married with children and enjoys listening to music, playing football, basketball, table tennis and badminton, as well as engaging with people.
