Police Land Recovery Spark Outrage As Residents Raise Compensation Fears In Calabar

The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State has triggered public attention following its decisive move to reclaim encroached police lands and properties across the state.

Authorities say the recovery effort aligns with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police aimed at restoring institutional ownership and safeguarding public assets nationwide.

The Commissioner of Police, Rashid B. Afegbua, inaugurated a special committee on March 27, 2026, at the Command headquarters in Calabar, with members of the Command’s Management Team in attendance, signaling the seriousness of the initiative.

Committee Composition and Mandate

The newly constituted committee comprises senior officers assigned to execute a comprehensive audit and recovery of police-owned properties across the state.

CSP Bassey Usen chairs the committee, while ASP Ezike Kelvin serves as secretary, supported by CSP Yusuf Nuhu and ASP Abdul Atabo.

Authorities mandate the committee to identify all encroached police lands, verify ownership documents, and engage relevant stakeholders in a lawful and transparent manner.

The team is empowered to invite individuals, consult government agencies, and access necessary records to ensure thorough investigations.

Physical site inspections will be conducted to determine the extent of encroachment across identified locations.

Officials emphasized that the recovery exercise will strictly adhere to due process, ensuring that no disputes escalate unnecessarily and that enforcement is balanced with fairness.

Transparency and Public Cooperation

The Command assured residents that the process will be lawful, transparent, and guided by existing legal frameworks.

Stakeholders, including civilians occupying disputed lands, are urged to cooperate fully with the committee.

ASP Sunday Eitokpah, Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the exercise is aimed at restoring institutional integrity rather than punishing individuals unfairly.

He added that findings will be meticulously documented and submitted to Force Headquarters for directives on subsequent enforcement measures.

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Public Reactions Reflect Mixed Concerns

Public responses have trailed the announcement, reflecting a mix of support, concern, and calls for fairness.

Friday Ekuma expressed fears that retired officers occupying such properties may face displacement, describing enforcement measures as “harsh and devastating.”

Haz Niks welcomed the initiative, calling it “a step in the right direction” and urging similar action in other states where police lands are under threat.

Mike Ogbaka pointed to rising cases of private housing developments within police barracks, noting that lack of intervention has prolonged the encroachment problem.

Usang Mbang alleged that the issue extends beyond Calabar, citing Ogoja as another affected area requiring urgent government attention.

Ele Evalsam expressed anticipation for the committee’s work, noting that the development was long overdue and hoping for full implementation.

Samuel Aboli urged inspection of Ikot Eneobong Police Barracks, highlighting potential irregularities in land use within the area.

Calls for Fairness and Due Process

Festus Ovat raised concerns about historical land acquisition, emphasizing the need to verify whether compensation was properly paid to original owners.

He stressed that addressing past injustices is critical to prevent fresh disputes and legal challenges.

Godwin Otu highlighted ongoing construction near Atakpa Police Station and alleged encroachment in timber market areas in Akim, calling for urgent intervention.

Ukpabi Promise urged investigation into lands allocated for police development projects in Tinapa, citing community contributions to the Force.

Otu Otu alleged that parts of Ikot Eneobong Barracks were sold under questionable arrangements, leading to private constructions within restricted zones.

Security observers cautioned that authorities must balance enforcement with sensitivity, particularly in cases where civilians may have unknowingly acquired disputed lands.

Broader Implications

Analysts warn that reclaiming encroached properties could significantly affect urban planning, institutional control, and public trust in law enforcement.

Encroachment often undermines operational efficiency, limits infrastructure development, and disrupts logistical planning within police commands.

Experts note that successful recovery will strengthen administrative efficiency, enhance service delivery, and ensure accountability.

However, they emphasize the importance of careful communication and fairness to maintain public confidence.

Enforcement Challenges Ahead

The committee may face legal, social, and political challenges while handling claims from civilians, retired officers, and potential third-party interests.

Verification of complex land documents is critical to avoid wrongful evictions and reputational risks.

Transparency in reporting and clear public communication will play a vital role in managing expectations, preventing misinformation, and ensuring compliance.

What Comes Next

The committee is set to commence field operations, including documentation reviews, stakeholder engagement, and site verification exercises.

No specific timeline has been announced, but progress reports will guide subsequent enforcement actions across affected areas.

Residents and stakeholders await further updates as the Command transitions from policy declaration to on-ground enforcement.