Residents of Abuja witnessed a security move after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, ordered the immediate demolition of a settlement allegedly linked to criminal activities.
The affected settlement is located in the Kukwaba District, near the City Gate and Karmajiji area.
According to the minister, intelligence reports identified the location as a place where suspected criminals allegedly hid after carrying out attacks in different parts of Abuja.
Shortly after the security meeting, Wike personally visited the area with security personnel to assess the situation. Moreover, he insisted that the settlement posed a serious risk because authorities could not properly identify those living there.
“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 further described the community as a growing security threat, adding, “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.”
Following the inspection, the minister directed the Department of Development Control to begin the demolition immediately. In addition, he instructed the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, to work with the agency and ensure the operation was carried out without delay.
Furthermore, Wike warned that anyone using illegal settlements to support criminal activities would face the full force of the law.
He explained that the operation forms part of broader efforts to dismantle criminal camps and improve security throughout the Federal Capital Territory.
Meanwhile, security agencies are expected to continue intelligence-led operations across Abuja.
