Officers and their families residing in various police barracks across Lagos State are gripped by fear and anxiety due to a directive from police authorities to begin immediate rehabilitation of the barracks.

This has raised concerns that up to a million officers and their families may be displaced to facilitate the construction work.

An official directive issued on May 15, 2024, mandates the Nigeria Police Force Property Development and Construction Company to start phase one of the reconstruction. This will affect the Ijeh Police Barracks, Bourdillon Barracks, Falomo; Police Mounted Troops- Ribadu, Ikoyi; Alausa Police Barracks, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja; Federal Highway Patrol Barracks, Yaba, and Iponri Police Barracks, Surulere.

The directive stipulates that compensation will be paid to verified occupants ahead of the demolition of old structures, making way for new construction. Personnel have been instructed to ensure all occupants vacate the premises once compensated, with a completion deadline set for May 30, 2024, so developers can begin their work.

Affected officers expressed frustration, noting that similar exercises have been conducted in the past, particularly nearing the end of an Inspector-General of Police's tenure. Previous incidents have seen police barracks and officers' quarters in Ikeja GRA and Onikan undergo the same process.

When contacted, Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi requested inquiries be sent via text message but had not responded at the time of publication.