Sunday March 8, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Idorenyin UMOREN
Private Investigator and Security Evaluator
Benjamin Hundeyin, an assistant commissioner of police (ACP), has been removed as the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) and replaced by Anthony Okon Placid, a deputy commissioner of police (DCP).
Although an official announcement has not been made, sources at the police headquarters in Abuja confirmed the development.
Also, the sources said a new department named the New Media Office has been created with Giwa Aliyu, a chief superintendent of police (CSP), appointed to head the office.
An official statement about the development is expected to be issued later.
Sources with direct knowledge of the matter said Mr Hundeyin had been relieved of the position since Thursday and had informed some of his close associates.
“He told people close to him that he had been asked to leave,” one source said. “But no announcement has been made since that day.”
DCP Placid takes over from ACP Benjamin Hundeyin who has been redeployed following a leadership reshuffle by the new Inspector General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu.
DCP Placid is a highly experienced senior officer with a broad professional background spanning administration, operations, intelligence, training and international peacekeeping assignments.
Before his redeployment to Cross River State as DC Finance and Administration, DCP Placid served in several strategic roles within and outside Nigeria. These include Deputy in charge of Administration and Finance at Zone 3 Headquarters, Yola; Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Akwa Ibom and Kogi States; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Department, Abia State and African Union Election Security Adviser.
He also held key international positions such as Chief of Training at the African Union Mission in Sudan and Head of Training and Development at the United Nations in Darfur.
His policing career covers roles as Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State and at the Police Staff College, Jos; Divisional Police Officer in Federal Housing Calabar, Bakassi, Uruan and Gembu and as well as Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Robbery Unit in Kaduna State.
DCP Placid was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Police Academy, Kano, in 1996 and was commissioned in August 1998. He has undergone extensive local and international training, including the United Nations Peace Operations Specialized Training (POST), with certifications in Police and Military Studies, Gender Awareness, International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights and Civilian Protection.
Academically, 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 a Bachelor of Laws from the National Open University of Nigeria. He is also 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.
Born on December 2, 1970, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, DCP Placid hails from Mbiokporo Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
DCP Placid is married with children and enjoys sports, music and social engagement.
