The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the appointment of Anthony Placid as the new Force Public Relations Officer (PPRO).
The development follows the recent inauguration of Olatunji Disu as Inspector-General of Police (IGP), a move that has triggered several leadership adjustments within the force.
The announcement was made in a statement issued in Abuja by the outgoing spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, on behalf of the Force Headquarters.
The appointment places Placid in charge of managing official communication, media relations, and public information for the police nationwide.
Birthplace and early background
Anthony Placid was born on December 2, 1970, in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.
He originates from Mbiokporo Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of the state.
University education
Placid obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo.
The course exposed him to studies in environmental planning, spatial management, and regional development.
Postgraduate qualification
He went on to complete a Master’s degree in Law and Diplomacy at the University of Jos.
The programme focused on international relations, diplomatic practice, and legal frameworks in governance.
Legal studies
In addition to his earlier degrees, Placid studied law at the National Open University of Nigeria through its Calabar study centre.
He pursued a Bachelor of Laws degree while continuing his professional career.
Entry into the police service
According to official records, Placid joined the police as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Nigeria Police Academy in 1996.
He was formally commissioned into the service in August 1998 after completing the required training.
International professional training
Over the years, Placid has attended various professional training programmes in policing and peace operations.
These include the United Nations Peace Operations Specialised Training programme, where participants receive instruction in areas such as police studies, military coordination, gender awareness, international humanitarian law, human rights, and civilian protection.
He also participated in the UNITAR senior leadership and peacebuilding course conducted in Kenya.
Service in international missions
Placid has participated in international assignments connected with peacekeeping and security cooperation.
He served as chief of training at the African Union mission in Sudan and later worked as head of training and development at the United Nations mission in Darfur.
In addition, he performed duties as an African Union election security adviser during regional electoral processes.
Operational and administrative policing roles
Within the country, the officer has held several operational and administrative positions across different commands.
His assignments have included serving as police public relations officer in Adamawa State and as divisional police officer in locations such as Federal Housing Calabar, Bakassi, Uruan and Gembu.
He also served as officer in charge of the anti-robbery unit in Kaduna State during an earlier phase of his career.
Further postings saw him appointed assistant commissioner of police in charge of operations in Akwa Ibom and Kogi states.
He subsequently served as Assistant Commissioner of Police in the Intelligence Department of Abia State.
Another administrative responsibility involved serving as deputy in charge of administration and finance at Zone 3 headquarters in Yola.
Strategic policy studies
Placid is an alumnus of the Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies.
He was formally inducted as a Member of the National Institute, an honour signified by the mni designation, on December 13, 2025.
Family and personal interests
Away from official duties, the police spokesperson is married and has children.
His personal interests include listening to music and participating in sporting activities such as football, basketball, table tennis, and badminton.
The new role as Force Public Relations Officer places him at the centre of communication between the police institution, the media, and the public, with responsibilities that include explaining policies, providing operational updates, and responding to public inquiries.
