The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development have agreed to establish a national task force dedicated to recovering encroached land and safeguarding federal government properties across Nigeria.
The partnership was formalised during a high-level meeting at the force headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, where Housing and Urban Development Minister Ahmed Dangiwa, accompanied by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Shuaib Belgore, outlined the ambitious initiative.
Dangiwa explained that the decision stemmed from President Bola Tinubu’s directive to implement a housing programme intended to deliver “thousands of housing units to police officers across the country.”
He said the housing plan also addresses growing cases of “land encroachment on federal properties, which have slowed or halted several government projects nationwide”.
The minister emphasised that the protection of federal lands and the welfare of security personnel through housing remain integral to national stability.
Responding, the IGP said the housing intervention directly tackles a long-standing welfare concern within the police.
He noted that “welfare is central to the operational effectiveness of Police officers,” adding that “adequate affordable housing is a vital part of welfare.”
Egbetokun further pledged the police force’s commitment to the proposed National Task Force, stressing that recovering encroached lands constitutes an urgent national priority.
He assured that the collaboration with FMHUD would be pursued in the interest of both national development and the welfare of Nigerians, particularly police officers.
“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to upholding professionalism, excellence, and service to the nation while ensuring that the welfare of its officers and men remains a top priority,” said Force Spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement.
