The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has said some redeveloped police barracks in Lagos should be ready for occupation between December 2026 and January 2027.
Disu expressed concern over the prolonged displacement of police officers following the demolition of dilapidated barracks, saying the police hierarchy was determined to ensure their return to decent accommodation as soon as possible.
The IGP spoke during an inspection tour of police housing projects across Lagos at the weekend.
He said contractors handling some of the projects had reported delays but assured that the facilities should be habitable by December or January.
“As I told them at Ijeh Barracks, we are looking towards December for people to start moving in. However, they (contractors) told me they have lost about two more months.
“So, at worst, based on the agreement I had with them today, they promised me that anything from December to January should be habitable for people to move in.
“I have been IGP for about six months, and this issue has been around for much longer. All the officers are eager. They have seen their barracks demolished and have been forced out of the structures. They are looking forward to new ones, and I am having the same feelings,” he said.
Disu said the inspection of about 21 police housing projects at various stages of development across Lagos was aimed at assessing their progress and engaging stakeholders involved in the redevelopment.
He, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work at some locations, stressing that the welfare of police officers was critical to effective policing.
The police boss also disclosed plans to leverage police mortgage schemes and partnerships with other stakeholders to provide affordable housing, particularly for junior officers.
“We have a lot of money in the police mortgage, in the Federal Mortgage Bank, and we should take good advantage of it.
“We are talking to our partners to see us building houses, especially for the rank and file. When I say the rank and file, I mean the lower ranks of the Nigerian Police,” he said.
He stressed that lower-ranking officers deserved particular attention because they constitute the bulk of personnel engaged in policing duties.
