Things to know about new police spokesperson Placid

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the appointment of Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid as its new Force Public Relations Officer.

Placid’s appointment comes a few days after the swearing-in of the new Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, which signifies a major shake-up in the force.

The development was announced in a statement on Sunday by the outgoing spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, who signed the notice from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Here are 10 things to know about the new police spokesperson:

1. Born in Akwa Ibom

Placid was born on December 2, 1970, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and hails from Mbiokporo Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.

2. University of Uyo graduate

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo.

3. Holds a master’s degree in diplomacy

Placid also obtained a Master of Arts degree in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos.

4. Studied law at NOUN

He further studied law at the National Open University of Nigeria, Calabar Centre, where he pursued a Bachelor of Laws degree.

5. Joined the Police Force in 1996

According to the statement, Placid was appointed into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Nigeria Police Academy in 1996 and was commissioned in August 1998.

6. Extensive international training

He has attended several professional and international courses, including the United Nations Peace Operations Specialised Training (POST), with 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.

7. Experience in UN and AU missions

Placid has served in international missions including 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.

8. Held several policing positions

Within Nigeria, he has served in various capacities including Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State, Divisional Police Officer in Federal Housing Calabar, Bakassi, Uruan and Gembu, as well as Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Robbery Unit in Kaduna State.

He also served as Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Akwa Ibom and Kogi States, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Department in Abia State, and Deputy in charge of Administration and Finance at Zone 3 Headquarters in Yola.

9. Member of NIPSS

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 (mni) on December 13, 2025.

10. Family and personal interests

Placid is married with children and enjoys listening to music as well as playing football, basketball, table tennis and badminton.