The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of an illegal settlement near Karmajiji in Abuja, describing it as a criminal hideout and a major security threat.
The directive was issued on Friday after a meeting of the FCT Security Committee, following an inspection of the settlement by Wike and top security officials.
According to the minister, intelligence reports indicated that suspected criminals often retreat to the area after carrying out attacks in different parts of the nation’s capital.
“Look at the area. You don’t even know who the occupants are. How do you identify them? How do you know where to locate them? And this is inside the city,” Wike said.
He described the settlement as “a time bomb”, insisting that the FCT Administration would not allow criminal hideouts to flourish within Abuja.
“This is a time bomb. There’s no way we can allow this. The FCT Administration will not allow criminal hideouts to thrive in Abuja,” he added.
Wike directed the Department of Development Control to begin the demolition immediately and instructed the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, to work with the agency during the exercise.
The minister also warned that anyone using such settlements to aid criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.
According to him, the demolition is part of the FCT Administration’s broader effort to dismantle criminal enclaves, improve public safety and strengthen security across the Federal Capital Territory.
He assured residents that the administration would continue security operations aimed at protecting lives and property.
