In a significant development within the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has approved the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Benjamin Hundeyin as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO). This announcement, made on Thursday, September 4, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance the public image and communication strategy of the Nigeria Police Force. The transition follows the redeployment of the outgoing Force PRO, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, to the Delta State Police Command as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Department of Operations. This article delves into the details of this appointment, exploring Hundeyin’s background, the implications of this change, and the broader context of leadership transitions within the Nigeria Police Force.
Background of CSP Benjamin Hundeyin
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin is no stranger to the realm of police public relations, having served as the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Lagos State Police Command since March 2022. His tenure in Lagos was marked by a proactive approach to public engagement, earning him widespread recognition for improving police-community relations in one of Nigeria’s most populous and complex states. Hundeyin’s ability to navigate the intricacies of media relations and public perception in Lagos, a state known for its vibrant media landscape and diverse populace, has positioned him as a fitting candidate for the national role of Force PRO.
Hundeyin’s academic credentials further bolster his suitability for this position. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English Language from Lagos State University, providing him with a strong foundation in communication and linguistic precision. Additionally, he earned a Master’s degree in Legal Criminology and Security Psychology from the University of Ibadan, equipping him with insights into the psychological and legal dimensions of security operations. His academic background is complemented by professional certifications, including a Certificate in Civil-Military Coordination from the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Training Centre in Jaji, Kaduna State.
Beyond his academic achievements, Hundeyin is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM). These affiliations underscore his commitment to professionalism in communication and human resource management, critical skills for the role of Force PRO. His experience as a communicator is further evidenced by his prior roles, including serving as the PPRO at Zone 2 Command Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos, and as an Administration Officer at the Force Public Relations Department at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Hundeyin’s international exposure adds another layer of depth to his profile. In 2020, he was part of the Nigerian contingent to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur, Sudan (UNAMID). This experience likely honed his ability to operate in high-pressure environments and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, skills that will be invaluable in his new role as the national spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force.
The Appointment and Its Context
The appointment of CSP Benjamin Hundeyin as Force PRO comes at a time when the Nigeria Police Force is undergoing significant administrative and operational reforms under IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s leadership. The announcement was made by the outgoing PRO, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who has been redeployed to the Delta State Police Command following his recent promotion. Adejobi’s tenure as Force PRO was marked by notable achievements, including enhancing the Force’s communication strategies and fostering greater transparency with the public. The IGP commended Adejobi for his professionalism and commitment, expressing confidence that he would bring the same level of dedication to his new role in Delta State.
The transition from Adejobi to Hundeyin is described as a routine administrative adjustment aimed at career progression and manpower optimization. According to a statement from the Nigeria Police Force, this move is neither punitive nor controversial but reflects the IGP’s vision to leverage the expertise of seasoned officers to enhance the Force’s effectiveness. Hundeyin’s appointment is expected to build on the foundation laid by Adejobi, with a focus on strengthening public trust, improving crisis management, and advancing the Force’s communications strategy.
Implications for the Nigeria Police Force
The role of the Force Public Relations Officer is critical in shaping the public’s perception of the Nigeria Police Force, an institution that has faced significant scrutiny over the years. Issues such as police brutality, corruption allegations, and public distrust have often overshadowed the Force’s efforts to maintain law and order. As the national spokesperson, Hundeyin will be tasked with addressing these challenges head-on, using strategic communication to bridge the gap between the police and the communities they serve.
Hundeyin’s experience in Lagos provides a blueprint for what he might achieve on a national scale. During his tenure as Lagos PPRO, he was known for his proactive engagement with the media and the public, often using social media platforms to provide real-time updates on police activities and respond to public concerns. This approach helped demystify police operations in Lagos and fostered a sense of accessibility, which is crucial for building trust. As Force PRO, Hundeyin is expected to replicate and scale this approach, ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force communicates effectively with a diverse national audience.
Moreover, Hundeyin’s background in legal criminology and security psychology could inform his approach to crisis communication. In an era where misinformation and fake news can spread rapidly, particularly on social media platforms, the ability to craft clear, accurate, and timely messages is paramount. Hundeyin’s academic training may enable him to anticipate public reactions and tailor communications to mitigate tensions during crises, such as protests or high-profile criminal incidents.
Broader Leadership Reforms in the Nigeria Police Force
Hundeyin’s appointment is part of a broader wave of leadership changes and reforms within the Nigeria Police Force under IGP Egbetokun’s administration. In recent months, the IGP has overseen several high-profile appointments and redeployments aimed at enhancing the Force’s operational and administrative capacity. For instance, in February 2025, Egbetokun appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Fom Pam Joseph as the new Force Secretary, a move designed to improve administrative efficiency. Similarly, the creation of the Directorate of Legal Services and the appointment of AIG Ohiozoba O. Ehiede as its inaugural Director in August 2025 reflect the IGP’s commitment to strengthening the legal framework of the Force.
These changes are part of a strategic effort to reposition the Nigeria Police Force as a more professional, responsive, and community-oriented institution. The redeployment of senior officers, such as the posting of 18 Commissioners of Police awaiting promotion to AIG rank in March 2025, underscores the emphasis on meritocracy and career progression. Additionally, the reorganization of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) in April 2025, which included the withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorized deployments, highlights the IGP’s focus on restoring the unit’s original mandate as an elite strike force.
The appointment of Hundeyin as Force PRO aligns with these reforms, as effective communication is a cornerstone of modern policing. By placing a seasoned communicator in this role, the IGP is signaling his intent to prioritize transparency, accountability, and public engagement. This is particularly important in light of ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, including insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts, which require a coordinated response from both the police and the public.
Challenges and Expectations for Hundeyin
As the new Force PRO, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin faces a daunting task. The Nigeria Police Force operates in a complex socio-political environment, where public perception is often shaped by historical grievances and contemporary challenges. Hundeyin will need to navigate these dynamics carefully, balancing the need to project a positive image of the Force with the imperative to address legitimate public concerns.
One of the immediate challenges will be managing the fallout from high-profile incidents, such as allegations of police misconduct or human rights abuses. In recent years, the Nigeria Police Force has faced criticism over incidents like the #EndSARS protests in 2020, which highlighted issues of police brutality and systemic corruption. While significant reforms have been introduced since then, including the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), the Force continues to grapple with public skepticism. Hundeyin’s ability to communicate the Force’s commitment to reform and accountability will be critical in rebuilding trust.
Another challenge is the proliferation of misinformation on social media platforms, which can undermine police efforts to maintain law and order. Hundeyin’s experience in Lagos, where he effectively used social media to counter false narratives and provide accurate information, will be an asset in this regard. However, the national stage presents a larger and more diverse audience, requiring a nuanced approach to communication that takes into account regional, cultural, and linguistic differences.
Hundeyin is also expected to strengthen the Force’s collaboration with the media, civil society organizations, and traditional institutions. The IGP’s recent engagement with traditional rulers, such as the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ataoja of Osogbo in August 2025, highlights the importance of community partnerships in policing. As Force PRO, Hundeyin will play a key role in fostering these relationships, ensuring that the police are seen as partners rather than adversaries in the quest for security and justice.
The Legacy of DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi
The outgoing Force PRO, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, leaves behind a legacy of transformative communication strategies. During his tenure, Adejobi was instrumental in enhancing the visibility of the Nigeria Police Force through regular press briefings, social media engagement, and public outreach programs. His ability to humanize the Force, by sharing stories of officers’ sacrifices and successes, helped shift the narrative from one of distrust to one of cautious optimism.
Adejobi’s redeployment to Delta State is seen as an opportunity to apply his expertise in a new context, where he will oversee the Department of Operations. The IGP’s commendation of Adejobi’s service underscores the high regard in which he is held within the Force. As Hundeyin steps into this role, he inherits a robust communication framework that he can build upon to further advance the Force’s public relations objectives.
Conclusion
The appointment of CSP Benjamin Hundeyin as the new Force Public Relations Officer marks a new chapter in the Nigeria Police Force’s journey toward greater transparency, accountability, and public trust. With his extensive experience in public relations, academic credentials, and international exposure, Hundeyin is well-positioned to lead the Force’s communication efforts at a critical time. His tenure as Lagos PPRO demonstrated his ability to engage with the public and media effectively, and he now has the opportunity to apply these skills on a national scale.
As the Nigeria Police Force continues to undergo reforms under IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s leadership, Hundeyin’s role will be pivotal in shaping public perception and fostering collaboration with stakeholders. The challenges ahead are significant, but so are the opportunities to make a lasting impact. By leveraging his expertise and building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Hundeyin has the potential to redefine the relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the public it serves.
