Sahara reporters has taken to its official X handle formerly Twitter and announced that, In a sweeping shake-up within the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has approved the replacement of Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Hundeyin as the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), appointing Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid as the new spokesperson of the force.
Highly placed police sources confirmed that the decision forms part of a broader restructuring within the Force Headquarters aimed at strengthening communication, public engagement and media management across the country.
Hundeyin, who assumed office in September 2025 as the face of the police institution, has now been relieved of the role after roughly six months in the position.
“Hundeyin has been replaced by Okon Placid. The official announcement will be made later,” a source familiar with the development disclosed.
In another significant development, the police leadership has established a New Media Office, a specialised unit designed to enhance the force’s presence across digital platforms and improve real-time engagement with the public.
Chief Superintendent of Police Ali Giwa has been appointed to head the newly created office, where he will oversee the police’s social media operations, digital communication strategy and online engagement.
Security analysts say the move signals a deliberate effort by the police leadership to modernise the institution’s communication framework in response to the growing influence of digital media and online information platforms.
The leadership changes follow ongoing reforms initiated since Disu assumed office as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police, a position he was appointed to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The changes come amid efforts to reposition the police force and improve its public image through a more coordinated and professional communication system.
Earlier reports had speculated that CSP Aliyu Giwa could emerge as the new Force PRO. However, sources clarified that Giwa’s responsibilities are strictly limited to the newly created digital media unit and do not extend to the role of official spokesperson.
“The Force PRO position requires a senior officer at the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police, which explains the appointment of DCP Okon Placid,” a senior police official explained.
Sources within the police hierarchy also hinted at attempts by certain interests to influence the appointment of the Force spokesperson through online narratives and pressure campaigns.
According to insiders, some bloggers had reportedly circulated claims suggesting Giwa’s imminent appointment as FPRO in a bid to shape the decision.
Police authorities, however, dismissed such claims, insisting that the restructuring process remains strictly an internal administrative decision.
Before his elevation to Force Public Relations Officer, Hundeyin served as spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, where he gained national prominence for his active media engagement and regular public briefings.
His tenure at the Force Headquarters saw him play a central role in communicating police operations, policy updates and national security developments to the public.
With the latest changes, attention now shifts to the incoming spokesperson, DCP Okon Placid, who is expected to steer the force’s communication machinery at a time when public accountability and transparency have become increasingly crucial for law-enforcement agencies.
Observers believe the restructuring signals a fresh push by the police leadership to strengthen public trust and enhance the institution’s engagement with citizens across both traditional and digital media platforms.
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