The Federal Government has officially commenced the construction of new residential quarters for rank-and-file police officers in Enugu State. The move is a strategic effort to enhance the living conditions and operational effectiveness of personnel within the Nigeria Police Force.
Groundbreaking Ceremony in Ozalla
The groundbreaking event took place on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, at the Ozalla Police Station located in the Nkanu West Local Government Area. The project is being executed by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) in partnership with the Enugu State Government and other key stakeholders.
During the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Muhammed Sheidu, addressed attendees. He stated that the initiative is a direct component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's security sector reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Sheidu emphasized that inadequate accommodation has been a major demotivating factor for police officers across the country for many years.
"The construction of this accommodation here in Ozalla is a deliberate effort to address the longstanding housing gap faced by police personnel. A well-housed police officer is more motivated, focused, and effective," Sheidu declared. He also praised the Enugu State Government for donating the land, calling it a testament to collaborative efforts in strengthening security.
Leadership Applauds Timely Intervention
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, conveyed his appreciation through the Commissioner of Police for Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa. The IGP described the NPTF's project as both timely and impactful. He expressed confidence that it would significantly boost the morale of officers, improve their working conditions, and enhance overall operational efficiency for the Ozalla station and the wider Enugu Command.
IGP Egbetokun assured that the Nigeria Police Force would provide all necessary support to ensure the six-man residential quarters are completed according to schedule and meet required standards.
Calls for Expanded Projects and Community Impact
While commending the start of the new build, the Enugu State Police Command appealed to the NPTF to consider similar interventions elsewhere in the state. Specific requests included the renovation of a dilapidated six-man quarters near the new site and the construction of a proper headquarters for the Agbani Area Command.
Chief John Ogbodo, the Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government, lamented the previously poor living conditions of officers in the area, describing the old facilities as an eyesore. He extended gratitude to both the NPTF and the state government for addressing this critical need.
The traditional ruler of Ishi Ozalla Community, Igwe Sylvanus Okeke, hailed the project as a historic development. He noted that the police station, established in the 1970s, had been underutilized for decades due to a lack of supporting infrastructure.
Obiora Okwuibe, the President General of Ishi Ozalla Community, highlighted the strategic importance of the Ozalla Police Station along the busy Enugu–Port Harcourt Road. He called for sustained support for the station and urged the contractor to deliver a durable and high-quality structure.
This Ozalla project is part of a broader nationwide intervention by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, which encompasses the construction and rehabilitation of police barracks, training institutions, and other welfare-centric infrastructure.
