The Nigeria Police Force has removed Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Hundeyin from his role as Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) as part of a reshuffle at the Force Headquarters.
Hundeyin has been replaced by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Okon Placid, who will now serve as the new spokesperson of the force, police sources said.
“Hundeyin has been replaced by Okon Placid; the official announcement will be made later,” a source said.
As part of the changes, the police leadership has also established a new unit known as the New Media Office to boost the force’s digital communication and public engagement efforts.
Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ali Giwa has been appointed to lead the newly created office.
The restructuring is understood to be part of broader efforts within the Nigeria Police Force aimed at improving communication, media relations and interaction with the public.
On Friday, it was reported that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had not officially named a substantive Force Public Relations Officer after Hundeyin was removed from the spokesperson role.
Hundeyin was taken off the position less than six months after he assumed duty as the force’s spokesperson in September 2025.
His removal came amid a wave of internal adjustments within the police hierarchy following Disu’s appointment as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police by President Bola Tinubu.
Earlier reports had suggested that Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Aliyu Giwa could emerge as the next Force Public Relations Officer.
However, sources familiar with the situation said that Giwa was not appointed as the Force PRO and that his responsibility was restricted to managing the police’s social media operations rather than serving as the official spokesperson.
The sources also alleged that some individuals were attempting to pressure the Inspector-General to confirm Giwa for the position, claiming that certain bloggers had been mobilised to promote narratives intended to influence the decision.
“The Police Force PRO has not been appointed yet. Aliyu Giwa is limited to social media operations and also, a DCP will be appointed to that position,” a top police source previously said.
“By virtue of Giwa’s current position, he is close to bloggers, so he is trying to use them to force Disu to appoint him. That explains the reports you see online.”
Hundeyin’s removal occurred amid wider leadership adjustments within the police following Disu’s emergence as Inspector-General.
Before his appointment as Force Public Relations Officer, Hundeyin served as spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command.
(SAHARA REPORTERS)
Post A Comment: