The Nigeria Police Force has moved to dispel misconceptions surrounding the ongoing reconstruction of Falomo Police Barracks in Lagos State, emphasizing that no officers were forcibly evicted from their residences.
Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi addressed the issue in a statement released Tuesday in Abuja, responding to what he described as “misinformation and sensationalism” circulating in some media outlets.
Adejobi explained that the Falomo Barracks project is part of a larger initiative to modernize and improve living conditions for police personnel.
“The barracks, which were previously in disrepair, would undergo a complete redesign and reconstruction to provide modern and habitable accommodations for police officers,” he stated.
The Explainer learned, this ambitious undertaking was initially set in motion under former Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali’s leadership, leveraging a collaborative effort between the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Government, and private sector partners through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The current Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the force’s commitment to enhancing officers’ housing conditions.
In April, Egbetokun convened the first Nigeria Police Force Housing Summit, bringing together key stakeholders to chart a sustainable course for improving police welfare.
Adejobi revealed statistics regarding the current state of police accommodations nationwide.
“A nationwide assessment revealed that less than 25 per cent of police personnel have access to adequate barracks accommodations, with 90 per cent of existing barracks falling into severe disrepair,” he disclosed.
The Force PRO emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating, “Many of these structures are dangerously unsafe, posing a clear risk to occupants.”
Addressing concerns about the treatment of officers affected by the Falomo Barracks reconstruction, Adejobi outlined the measures taken to ensure their welfare:
“Occupants of the barracks were given adequate notice, provided relocation assistance and compensated with N2 million each to secure alternative accommodation,” he explained.
Furthermore, these officers will receive monthly rent allowances, aligning with provisions for personnel not residing in barracks facilities.
Adejobi assured that the relocation is temporary, stating, “Upon completion of the new facility, the officers will be allotted housing units, ensuring a seamless transition back to improved living conditions.”
The Force PRO urged the public to disregard false narratives surrounding the reconstruction effort, emphasizing that the project reflects “the unwavering resolve of the force management to provide safe and decent housing for officers.”