By Juliana Francis
The Nigeria Police Force says the redevelopment of police barracks across Lagos is gaining momentum, with 21 projects at various stages of construction and rehabilitation.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, disclosed today, Saturday, 5th of September 2026, at the POWA Barracks, Medical Road, while fielding questions from journalists.
Earlier, Disu carried out an inspection tour of barracks and facilities in the state, where he assessed ongoing housing, rehabilitation and infrastructure works.
The final stop was at POWA and Oduduwa Police Barracks.
Speaking on his mission and assessment so far, Disu said his team had been on the ground since Friday, covering parts of Ikeja before moving to Lagos Island over the following two days.
His words: “We have been on this tour inspecting police barracks and their deployment in Lagos since Friday. We visited some areas of Ikeja, and over the past two days, we toured parts of Lagos Island.”
According to him, the team has so far visited about 21 different barracks projects at various stages of development, a matter he described as central to officers’ welfare.
“This is very important to us in the Nigerian Police because it concerns the welfare of our officers. Our job is very demanding, and officers need proper accommodation to rest and recover so they can continue protecting lives and property,” Disu said.
He explained that many of the affected barracks had been demolished because they were dilapidated and unsafe, but admitted he was unhappy with the pace of rebuilding.
“Many of these barracks were dilapidated and unsafe, so they were demolished to allow for redevelopment. However, I am not satisfied with the current stage of progress. Our officers have been patient for a long time, and that is why I came to see things myself and hold discussions with our partners, especially the Lagos State Government, which has been assisting us, along with other strategic partners,” he said.
The IGP raised concern that the former Falomo Barracks with its hospital, which appears to have been taken over by miscreants and lacks noticeable development.
He promised to redesign and upgrade the hospital, including its equipment, as part of the broader development programme.
“In front of the hospital, we intend to build new structures to serve members of the Nigerian Police Force,” he said.
Responding to questions on some Police barracks now serving as business centres and another broken down and taken over by traders, Disu responded: “This situation reflects the ‘broken window theory’ of policing: if property is left unattended, it deteriorates further. We will take immediate action to remove unauthorised occupants and reclaim full control of our property.”
On plans to relocate residents ahead of redevelopment, the IGP said the police would replicate the approach used at Ijeh, Obalende, where about 600 new buildings have already gone up.
He added: “As for relocating current residents, we will follow the same model used at Ijeh, where about 600 new buildings have already been constructed. Residents were relocated and given allowances to secure temporary housing until the new barracks were ready. A similar process will be applied here.”
He cited Queen’s Barracks as an example of how redevelopment could proceed without fully displacing officers.
“At Queen’s Barracks, for example, we can demolish one or two buildings and rebuild within the vast available space, allowing officers to move directly into new housing without leaving the barracks entirely. This builds confidence, as officers can see the development happening before them,” he added.
Disu, who has been in office for six months, acknowledged that the demolition process predated his tenure but insisted he was committed to seeing it through.
“Although I was not yet Inspector General of Police when the demolitions began, I am committed to ensuring progress. Officers have been patient, but they are eager to see results. I have been IGP for six months, and I share their concerns,” he said.
He disclosed that residents at the Ikeja site had been assured of moving into the new barracks by the end of the year.
“At Ikeja, I was told that by December or at worst, January, the new barracks should be habitable. I will continue visiting Lagos regularly to monitor these projects,” he said.
The Police chief further revealed that funds were available through the Police Mortgage scheme and the Federal Mortgage Bank to support the housing drive, with a particular focus on junior officers.
“We have significant funds available through the Police Mortgage and the Federal Mortgage Bank, and we are working with partners to build houses, particularly for the rank and file, the lower ranks who carry out the bulk of policing. Our priority is to provide them with decent, dignified housing,” Disu said.
