Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has ordered the immediate demolition of an illegal settlement near Karmajiji in Abuja’s Kukwaba District after security intelligence reportedly identified the area as a hideout for suspected criminals.
The directive underscores the FCT Administration’s renewed determination to dismantle criminal enclaves, tighten security across the nation’s capital, and enforce urban development regulations aimed at protecting residents and visitors.
Wike issued the order during an inspection of the settlement on Friday, accompanied by top security officials shortly after a meeting of the FCT Security Committee.
The visit was part of ongoing efforts to evaluate security threats and strengthen coordinated operations across the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the minister, intelligence reports indicated that the cluster of makeshift structures had become a refuge for individuals suspected of carrying out criminal activities in various parts of Abuja before retreating to the settlement.
He described the location as a major security concern, warning that communities operating outside government regulation often make it difficult for security agencies to identify occupants, gather intelligence, and apprehend suspects.
“Look at this place. You do not even know who the occupants are. How do you identify them? How do you know where to locate them? And this is right inside the city.
“This is a time bomb, and there is no way we can allow this to continue. The FCT Administration will not permit criminal hideouts to thrive in Abuja,” Wike said during the inspection.
Following his assessment, the minister directed the FCT Department of Development Control to begin the immediate removal of all illegal structures within the settlement.
He instructed the agency to carry out the exercise in collaboration with the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, alongside other security and law enforcement agencies, to ensure the operation is conducted in an orderly and coordinated manner.
Wike explained that the demolition forms part of a broader security strategy designed to eliminate criminal hideouts, improve intelligence gathering, and restore public confidence in the safety of Nigeria’s capital city.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike
He stressed that the administration would not tolerate illegal settlements serving as operational bases for criminal elements, adding that security considerations remain a top priority for the FCT Administration.
The minister also issued a strong warning to individuals who provide accommodation or support to criminal groups, saying anyone found aiding unlawful activities would face the full weight of the law.
According to him, the government will continue identifying unauthorized settlements that pose security threats while taking decisive enforcement measures where necessary.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at preventing crime and protecting lives and property across Abuja.
The latest directive comes as the FCT Administration intensifies efforts to address security challenges through a combination of law enforcement, urban planning enforcement, and inter-agency collaboration.
Officials believe that removing illegal settlements associated with criminal activities will not only improve public safety but also make it easier for security agencies to monitor communities, respond swiftly to emergencies, and investigate criminal cases.
As demolition preparations begin, the FCT Administration says it will continue implementing measures that enhance security while ensuring that Abuja remains a safe, orderly, and well-planned capital for residents, businesses, and international visitors.
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