In a move signaling a potential overhaul of its strategic communication and public engagement approach, the Nigeria Police Force has officially deployed Mr. Benjamin Hundeyin, the former Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, to its Force Headquarters in Abuja. The reassignment, which took effect on Friday, places the seasoned image-maker at the epicenter of national security communications, tasked with managing the narrative for Africa’s largest police force amid ongoing challenges of public trust and transparency.
Mr. Hundeyin’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), which has long grappled with complex public perception issues, including allegations of misconduct, operational opacity, and the need for greater community engagement. His proven track record in Lagos—a complex and media-intensive command—where he frequently navigated high-profile incidents, social media discourse, and traditional media engagements, is seen by many analysts as a deliberate choice by the force’s leadership to adopt a more sophisticated and responsive communication strategy.
During his tenure in Lagos, Hundeyin became known for his active, direct, and often real-time engagement with the public via social media platforms, a departure from the traditionally formal and delayed communication style of government institutions. His approach was credited with occasionally de-escalating public tension, providing timely updates during crises, and making the police command more accessible to the average citizen and journalist alike.
The new role at Force Headquarters will undoubtedly present a broader set of challenges. As the national spokesperson, Hundeyin will be responsible for articulating the stance of the Inspector-General of Police on a wide range of issues—from nationwide security operations and policy changes to inter-agency collaborations and international partnerships. The position requires not only managing daily news flow but also crafting long-term messaging to improve institutional credibility.
Security and media analysts are watching this appointment closely. Some view it as a positive step towards modernizing the NPF’s public affairs department, while others caution that one individual’s communication skills cannot substitute for deeper institutional reforms. Nevertheless, Hundeyin’s transition from the bustling commercial nerve center of Lagos to the political and administrative heart of Abuja marks a significant development in the ongoing effort to reshape the story of policing in Nigeria.
His resumption of duties last Friday is expected to be followed by a formal introduction and outline of his strategic vision for the directorate of public relations, setting the tone for a new chapter in police-citizen dialogue.
