By: Manoah Kikekon
 |
| Benjamin Hundeyin |
ABUJA — In a major move signaling a deep administrative overhaul, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has removed ACP Benjamin Hundeyin as the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO). The development comes on Thursday, March 5, 2026, just six months after Hundeyin assumed the high-profile position.
The removal follows the inauguration of the new substantive Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, who was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday at the Federal Executive Council meeting.
Hundeyin, a seasoned communicator and Assistant Commissioner of Police, was appointed to the national spokesperson role by the former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, in September 2025. His tenure, though brief, was marked by his background in legal criminology and his previous high-visibility role as the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson.
While the exact reasons for his sudden exit remain officially unstated, sources within the Force Headquarters suggest the move is part of a broader "clearing of the decks" by the new leadership.
"It is standard practice that when a new IGP takes office, certain key administrative and operational positions are reshuffled to align with the new chief's vision," a source noted. "Unfortunately, Hundeyin was affected by this wave of restructuring."
The shake-up comes barely 24 hours after IGP Tunji Disu officially took the reins as the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police. Disu, who replaces Kayode Egbetokun following the latter’s resignation in February 2026, has already signaled a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and human rights abuses.
Disu's appointment has triggered a series of changes within the police hierarchy. As a junior officer to some of the current top brass, his elevation is expected to lead to the retirement or redeployment of several senior officers to ensure a streamlined command structure.
As of Thursday afternoon, the Nigeria Police Force has yet to name a successor for ACP Hundeyin. The vacuum comes at a time of heightened operational activity, as the Force transitions into new leadership under the Tunji Disu administration.
When contacted for comments, Hundeyin reportedly described himself as "unavailable right now," directing inquiries to state command spokespersons. This silence has fueled further speculation regarding his next deployment.
Hundeyin, an alumnus of Lagos State University and the University of Ibadan, had only recently been promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police in February 2026. His removal marks one of the first significant personnel changes of the Disu era.