The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has approved a restructuring of the media unit of the Nigeria Police Force, introducing a new department known as the New Media Office as part of efforts to strengthen the force’s communication strategy.
The newly created office will be headed by Chief Superintendent of Police, Ali Giwa, who had earlier been reported as a likely successor to the outgoing Force Public Relations Officer. The department is expected to focus on enhancing the police’s digital communication, including its social media platforms and official publications.
Sources said arrangements to operationalise the new office will begin on Monday, March 9, 2026.
In a related development, the IGP has appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police, Anthony Placid, as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), replacing Assistant Commissioner of Police, Benjamin Hundeyin.
Born on December 2, 1970, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Placid hails from Mbiokporo Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area. He joined the police as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Police Academy in 1996 and was commissioned in August 1998.
Over the years, he has undertaken several professional trainings locally and internationally, including the United Nations Peace Operations Specialised Training, covering areas such as police and military studies, human rights, international humanitarian law, gender awareness and civilian protection.
Academically, Placid holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo, a Master’s degree 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) at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, where he was inducted as a Member of the National Institute (MNI) in December 2025.
Placid has previously served as Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State and at the Police Staff College in Jos. His career also includes postings as Divisional Police Officer in Federal Housing, Calabar; Bakassi; Uruan; and Gembu, as well as Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Robbery Unit in Kaduna State.
Before his latest appointment, he served as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration at the Cross River State Police Command.
Meanwhile, DCP Aliyu Abubakar has been appointed as Head of the IGP Monitoring Unit. Sources within the force indicated that the latest changes may signal broader reforms in the police structure in the coming weeks.