Fear, Outrage Rock Enugu Police Barracks Over Alleged Secret Sale, Forced Evictions as Anambra Police Detain Officer Over Baby’s Death

Serving officers reject alleged ₦1 million relocation package amid claims of barracks disposal to private buyers while police launch probe into death of three-month-old baby in Okija

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By Cijioke Udenta / May 23, 2026

Fresh controversy has erupted within the Nigeria Police Force following allegations that several police barracks in Enugu State have been secretly sold to private individuals, triggering fear, outrage, and uncertainty among serving officers and their families.

The development comes amid a separate crisis in neighbouring Anambra State where police authorities confirmed the detention of an officer allegedly linked to the death of a three-month-old baby during a confrontation involving a tenant dispute in Okija.

The twin incidents have intensified scrutiny over police welfare, internal administration, operational accountability, and growing tensions within Nigeria’s law enforcement system.

Alleged Secret Sale of Police Barracks Sparks Panic

According to multiple insider accounts and leaked details obtained by journalists, officers occupying several police barracks in Enugu State are allegedly being prepared for forced relocation after the properties were reportedly sold to wealthy private investors.

The affected facilities allegedly include:

Abakpa Barracks
Ogui Barracks
CPS Barracks
Uwani Barracks
Awkunanaw Barracks

Sources claimed that officials from the Police Works Department in Abuja, accompanied by estate surveyors and prospective buyers, visited the facilities on May 20, 2026, to conduct surveys and assessments.

The Officer-in-Charge of the Works Department in Enugu, Emmanuel Bajit, was reportedly directed to compile detailed records of all affected occupants.

Officers Asked to Submit Personal Details

According to insiders, the information requested allegedly includes:

Force numbers
AP numbers
Bank account details
Residential addresses
Telephone numbers

Sources alleged the exercise was linked to plans to pay each affected occupant ₦1 million as relocation compensation before permanent evacuation from the barracks.

“Right now, they are compiling the names of residents and pressuring them to vacate once they receive the money,” a source disclosed.

However, rank-and-file officers reportedly rejected the proposed compensation package, arguing that ₦1 million is grossly inadequate amid Nigeria’s worsening housing crisis and soaring rent costs.

Security Concerns Mount Among Officers

The alleged relocation plan has triggered serious security concerns within police ranks, with many officers warning that abandoning institutional housing could expose personnel and their families to criminal attacks.

Several officers argued that police barracks exist primarily to provide secured accommodation for personnel frequently targeted by criminals, kidnappers, and armed gangs.

“Officers are now being forced to live among the same armed robbers and bandits they fight daily,” one insider lamented.

Sources claimed that numerous officers nationwide have already fallen victim to kidnappings and targeted attacks in 2026 due to inadequate secured housing arrangements.

The alleged barracks sales have therefore deepened fears among personnel who believe their welfare and safety are being sacrificed.

Morale Crisis Brewing Within Police Force

Beyond immediate housing concerns, insiders warned that the development could worsen morale problems already affecting the police force.

Some officers reportedly fear the situation could trigger resignations and growing disillusionment within the institution.

“This is shell-shocking because this thing is uncommon globally where police officers’ lives are treated this way,” a source said.

“Very soon there could be an exodus of officers from the job because of safety concerns.”
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Critics also argued that disposing of police barracks undermines the purpose for which official police housing was originally established by law.

The allegations have further reignited longstanding debates about welfare conditions within the Nigeria Police Force, including inadequate salaries, poor accommodation, operational risks, and insufficient institutional protection.

Police Headquarters Silent Amid Growing Questions

As of the time of filing this report, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, had not responded to calls or messages seeking official clarification regarding the alleged sale of the barracks.

The absence of an immediate official response has fuelled speculation and anxiety among affected officers and residents.

Anambra Police Detain Officer Over Baby’s Death

Meanwhile, in Anambra State, the police command confirmed that an officer allegedly connected to the death of a three-month-old baby in Okija has been detained pending investigation.

The incident reportedly occurred during a dispute involving a landlord and tenant.

According to local accounts, the tenant was absent when the police officer arrived at the property.

A source alleged that during the confrontation, the officer attempted to slap a relative of the tenant but mistakenly struck the infant instead.

The child reportedly died from the impact.

Police Launch Full Investigation

In a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer Tochukwu Ikenga, the command confirmed that a full-scale investigation had commenced.

The statement added that the officer involved had been identified and placed under interrogation alongside other disciplinary procedures.

Reacting to the incident, Anambra State Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased child and assured the public of transparency.

“The Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident to ascertain the facts and ensure that justice is served,” the statement read.

Police authorities also appealed for calm and warned against actions capable of escalating tensions in the community.

Renewed Questions Over Police Conduct and Welfare

The two developments — one involving alleged welfare failures and the other involving operational misconduct — have renewed broader public debate over policing standards, accountability, and institutional reform in Nigeria.

Security analysts say deteriorating welfare conditions within law enforcement institutions may indirectly contribute to operational stress, misconduct, and declining professionalism.

Human rights advocates are also demanding transparency regarding the alleged barracks sales and accountability in the Okija baby death investigation.

The unfolding controversies in Enugu and Anambra States have exposed deeper cracks within Nigeria’s policing system, ranging from welfare disputes and housing insecurity to public accountability and operational discipline.

While affected officers in Enugu fear displacement and increased exposure to danger, the tragic death of an infant in Anambra has further intensified calls for professionalism and oversight within the police force.

As investigations continue, both incidents are likely to amplify national conversations about the urgent need for comprehensive police reform, improved welfare structures, and greater institutional accountability across Nigeria’s security architecture.