Table of Contents
An officer with years of experience in global peacekeeping has been appointed as the new Police spokesperson. His main goal is to rebuild public trust by being open and empathetic, reports TOYE FALEYE.
After almost thirty years of service in Nigeria and on international peacekeeping missions, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid is now the Police spokesperson.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu’s choice is more than just a routine change. It is a test to see if the Nigeria Police Force can finally rebuild public confidence through openness, empathy, and honest communication.
A Scholar and a Policeman
Placid’s career brings a wide range of experience to the Police’s public relations team. He was born in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, and comes from Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.
He has strong academic qualifications in Geography, Law, and Diplomacy, and also holds a Bachelor of Laws from the National Open University of Nigeria.
Since joining the Police Academy in Kano in 1996 and becoming an officer in 1998, he has worked in administration, operations, intelligence, training, and international peacekeeping.
From Local Commands to Global Missions
His career has taken Placid to work in divisional commands in Calabar, Bakassi, Uruan, and Gembu, and he has also served on international assignments with the African Union in Sudan and the United Nations in Darfur.
He was a Police PRO in Adamawa and at the Staff College in Jos, led anti-robbery teams, and provided election advice to the AU. He managed operations in Akwa Ibom and Kogi, handled intelligence in Abia, and served as Deputy in charge of Administration and Finance at the Zone 3 Headquarters in Yola.
In December 2025, he became a Member of the National Institute for Policy and Planning Studies, highlighting his strategic experience.
Outside of his police work, Placid is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and trains others in human rights, with a focus on International Humanitarian Law.
This background means he could bring a more rights-focused and global perspective to police communications, which many Nigerians have wanted for a long time.
His predecessor, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, describes him as “an experienced officer with extensive experience,” which sets high expectations for his time in the role.
The Challenge Ahead
Placid faces a clear challenge: he must rebuild public trust in the police by leading with open, empathetic, and genuine communication. In Nigeria, where many people are wary of law enforcement, his job is to turn the spokesperson’s role from just making announcements into truly connecting citizens and the police.
Entering the Spotlight
As he starts his new role, one thing is clear: Anthony Placid is stepping into the public eye. The way he handles this attention could decide if the Nigeria Police Force can finally start to regain the trust it has been seeking for years.
Expert Perspective
Security experts believe this appointment comes at the right time. Dr Chidi Nwosu, an expert in policing and governance, says, “The credibility of the police today rests as much on how they act as on how they communicate. Placid’s background in human rights and international peacekeeping gives him an edge. If he can translate that into transparent, compassionate communication, the Force stands a chance of reshaping its public image.”
