Fear and uncertainty have reportedly gripped several police barracks in Enugu State following allegations that residential quarters occupied by serving police officers have been sold to private individuals, with occupants now being pressured to vacate the facilities.

According to leaked details obtained by SaharaReporters, a delegation comprising officials from the Police Works Department in Abuja, prospective buyers, and estate surveyors visited the barracks on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, to conduct a comprehensive survey of the land.

The Officer-in-Charge (O/C) of the Works Department at the Enugu State Police Command, identified as CSP Emmanuel Bajit, has reportedly been tasked with compiling a master list of all affected occupants under strict instructions from Force Headquarters.

“The name of the O/C Works in Enugu State Police Command compiling the names of officers living in the barracks is CSP Emmanuel Bajit,” one of the insiders alleged.

“Some people from the same Works Department came alongside officers from Abuja and the buyers or purchasers of the police barracks on May 20, 2026, to survey the area.”

The insiders further alleged that directives from Force Headquarters instructed officials in Enugu to gather detailed information about occupants, including their Force numbers, AP numbers, bank details, residential addresses and telephone numbers.

According to them, the data compilation is allegedly part of arrangements to pay each occupant N1 million as relocation compensation before they are asked to vacate the barracks permanently.

Meanwhile, the alleged proposed compensation of N1 million has reportedly been rejected by rank-and-file officers, who consider it inadequate given Nigeria’s current economic realities and rising housing rents.

“Information within our reach revealed that an order and directive from Force Headquarters, Abuja directed O/C Works, Enugu to compile all the names of the occupants, their banks, their F/No. and AP. No., place of residence and phone numbers,” a source said. 

“This is to ensure that the sum of N1million is paid to each occupant to vacate the barracks since it has been sold.”

The development has sparked severe security concerns among the personnel, many of whom argue that forcing police officers out of secured institutional housing severely endangers their lives and families.

Sources lamented that the relocation will force personnel to rent accommodation in volatile civilian neighbourhoods, effectively embedding them among the very criminal elements, armed robbers, and bandits they combat on a daily basis.

A grim statistical assessment provided by a source alleged that the security situation for personnel has dramatically deteriorated, claiming that countless officers nationwide have lost their lives to targeted armed robbery and kidnapping attacks since the beginning of 2026 due to a lack of secure, centralized housing.

“Right now, they are busy compiling the names of the residents and pressuring or mandating all the affected ones to immediately vacate possession once they receive the money,” the source added.

The affected barracks were listed as Abakpa Barracks, Ogui Barracks, CPS Barracks, Uwani Barracks and Awkunanaw Barracks, all located within Enugu State.

The insiders alleged that the properties had been sold to wealthy private individuals, a situation they described as a direct threat to the welfare and safety of serving officers.

According to the sources, many officers fear becoming targets of criminals if forced to live outside secured barracks facilities.

“So there is no hope of safety since the officers are compelled to go and live in the midst of armed robbers and bandits they are fighting against,” one source claimed.

The insiders further lamented what they described as worsening morale within the police force, warning that the development could trigger mass resignations among officers already frustrated by poor welfare conditions.

“It is shell-shocking because this thing is uncommon across the globe where the lives of police officers are treated like house flies in Nigeria,” the source said.

“Very soon, due to these demoralising practices and discouragement, there would be exodus of officers from the job for life safety.”

The sources also argued that the alleged disposal of police barracks contradicts the spirit of laws establishing official accommodation for officers, accusing political authorities and lawmakers of ignoring the welfare crisis affecting security personnel.

“It is an obnoxious act as police barracks existence is an act of the National Assembly while both chambers are sitting and watching these mess militating against the invaluable comfort and lives of the officers,” one insider stated.

SaharaReporters’ efforts to reach the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls or respond to a text message seeking his reaction to the allegations regarding the reported sale of the barracks and the planned eviction of serving officers and their families.