The Nigeria Police Force has appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid as the new Force Public Relations Officer, following the swearing-in of IGP Olatunji Disu. Here are eight key things to know about him:
- 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.
- Educational Background: He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo, a Master of Arts degree in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos, and studied law at the National Open University of Nigeria, Calabar Centre.
- Joined the Police Force in 1996: Placid was appointed as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Nigeria Police Academy in 1996 and was commissioned in August 1998
- Extensive International Training: He has completed 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.
- Served in UN and AU Missions: Placid has served as Chief of Training at the African Union Mission in Sudan, Head of Training and Development at the United Nations Mission in Darfur, and as an African Union Election Security Adviser.
- Diverse Policing Roles in Nigeria: His domestic postings include Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State, Divisional Police Officer in Federal Housing Calabar, Bakassi, Uruan, and Gembu, Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Robbery Unit in Kaduna State, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Akwa Ibom and Kogi States, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) in Abia State, and Deputy in charge of Administration and Finance at Zone 3 Headquarters in Yola.
- Member of NIPSS: Placid is a graduate of the Senior Executive Course 47 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and was inducted as a Member of the National Institute (mni) on December 13, 2025.
- Family and Personal Interests: He is married with children and enjoys listening to music, as well as playing football, basketball, table tennis, and badminton.
DCP Anthony Placid brings decades of experience, international exposure, and academic depth to the role of Force PRO, having served in UN and AU missions, held numerous strategic positions, and trained at NIPSS. He takes over from Benjamin Hundeyin as the public face of the Nigeria Police Force.
Sources: Police Statement
