• Relocate 347 officers in Lagos
• Deny sale of Falomo Barracks
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has committed about N694 million to relocate 347 police officers and their families from dilapidated barracks in the Falomo area of Lagos State.
The Guardian gathered that the move was in line with the police authority’s plan to redevelop all police barracks across the country and make them more befitting with modern accommodation for its personnel.
In May 2023, Lagos State government issued a 90-day ultimatum to owners of 349 distressed buildings in the state to either re-engineer or remove the buildings.
Consequent upon that, the state government and the police, same year, expressed willingness to renovate all barracks. But recently, there were insinuations that the barracks at Falomo and other parts of the state had been sold to some powerful individuals.
However, the police authority, in a reaction, yesterday, said the claims on the sale of Falomo Barracks’ land are misleading. The Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ASP), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that the occupants of Falomo Barracks in Blocks A and B had received N2 million each as temporary relocation allowance, adding that the payment was made to 347 families after a validation process to facilitate their temporary relocation.
Adejobi stated that it had become pertinent for the NPF to address the shocking and unfounded trends of discussions on dilapidated status of barracks and their redevelopment, specifically the Falomo Barracks and others in Lagos.
He said: “While we appreciate the concerns and interests of concerned groups and individuals on the general welfare of police personnel, we aim to provide clear and accurate information about these unpalatable allegations.”
“Due to the critical state of several police barracks, including the Falomo Barracks, the NPF leadership conceived a partnership arrangement with sub-national governments and reputable developers to unlock value in the assets by redeveloping the barracks into more befitting and modern barracks – with complementary facilities and modern infrastructure.
“It is important to note that this initiative is not limited to Falomo Barracks alone. Similar redevelopment projects will be implemented across all police barracks nationwide over time.
“This is a strategic effort to improve the living conditions of our officers and their families, which is a key focus of the current police administration.
“The claims that the barracks are being vacated and the pieces of land sold are false, mischievous and a calculated attempt to cause unnecessary discord within the ranks of the NPF.
“The improvement of these facilities is a priority for the Nigeria Police Force; and steps are being taken to address the issues effectively.”
