Concerned police personnel have appealed to the Olatunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), over the federal government’s alleged sale of police barracks, warning that forcing officers to live in civilian environments is endangering their lives and undermining national security.
The personnel, who spoke to reporters at the office of The Sun Publishing Company in Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos, over the weekend, said they are baffled by what they described as the government’s “sabotage” of its own security forces.
Identifying himself only as Johnny, a spokesperson for the group who requested anonymity to avoid victimisation, said:
“This is an aberration. How come the government that should protect policemen by building barracks for them is selling these barracks and forcing personnel into the hands of criminals? The same government preaches against living outside barracks, yet it is encouraging police officers to do exactly that. This would never happen with the military.”
Johnny explained that many officers displaced by the sale of barracks have faced severe challenges. While the government provides N2 million for rent, the sum is insufficient to secure housing in Lagos, and landlords often refuse to rent to police officers.
“The public already harbours resentment against the police. Living among civilians, particularly in areas with criminal elements, exposes our officers and their families to danger. The #EndSARS protests should have been a warning. Yet, the government continues to push us back into the line of fire,” he said.
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According to the spokesperson, barracks sold under the previous IGP, retired Kayode Egbetokun, include: Senior Police Officers Quarters, G.R.A Ikeja; parts of Police College, Ikeja; Mopol 23 Barracks, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja; Customs Office, Somolu Barracks; and portions of Area C Barracks, some converted into shops.
Other affected sites include Iponri Police Barracks, where developers have been distributing forms to residents to facilitate sales, and Alausa Police Barracks, which the personnel claim is now under threat from a politically connected buyer.
“This is unacceptable. We urge the IGP to intervene and relay our concerns to President Bola Tinubu. Selling police barracks endangers our officers because uniformed personnel are easily identifiable to criminal elements,” Johnny said.
The group insists that barracks should be rebuilt and new ones constructed instead of being sold. They argue that forcing officers to live dispersed among civilians undermines operational efficiency and morale.
“A constable earning less than N100,000 cannot properly care for his family while being sent away from the barracks. How can a hopeless, homeless, and dehumanised policeman be effective in protecting life and property?” the spokesperson asked.
Security analysts say the sale of police barracks could weaken Nigeria’s internal security architecture. Dr. Adewale Oladipo, a criminologist at the University of Lagos, observed that:
“Barracks are not just housing; they are strategic bases that allow police to respond quickly to incidents and maintain cohesion. Dispersing officers into civilian areas increases vulnerability and reduces operational effectiveness.”
Similarly, retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chinyere Ugochukwu, said:
“The military retains public respect partly because its personnel live in barracks. For the police, living among civilians exposes them to targeted attacks and diminishes authority. The government must reconsider these sales urgently.”
Police personnel are now appealing for an audience with President Tinubu to halt the sale of remaining barracks and ensure that officers can live safely and perform their duties effectively.
“We are not asking for charity. We are asking for protection and the ability to serve our country without being endangered,” Johnny concluded.