The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of an illegal settlement believed to have been used as a hideout by suspected criminals, reaffirming the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s determination to strengthen security across Abuja and protect residents from rising criminal activities.
The decision followed a security assessment and inspection of the settlement, located near Karmajiji in the Kukwaba District, where intelligence reports allegedly linked the area to criminal activities. The inspection was carried out after deliberations by the FCT Security Committee, with senior security officials accompanying the minister to evaluate the situation firsthand.
Speaking during the visit, Wike said the administration could no longer ignore settlements that have become breeding grounds for criminal activities. According to him, intelligence gathered by security agencies indicated that some criminal suspects often retreated to the location after carrying out attacks in different parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
He noted that the community had developed without proper planning and lacked the necessary identification systems required to monitor those living there. This, he said, created opportunities for criminal elements to operate freely while making it difficult for security agencies to identify and apprehend suspects.
The minister described the settlement as a serious security concern that required immediate intervention. He stressed that protecting lives and property remains one of the top priorities of the FCT Administration and that every lawful measure would be taken to ensure residents feel safe in their homes and communities.
Following the inspection, Wike directed the Department of Development Control to begin the process of demolishing the illegal structures. He also instructed the FCT Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to provide the necessary support to ensure the exercise is carried out peacefully while maintaining law and order throughout the operation.
According to the minister, the demolition is not aimed at punishing innocent citizens but at dismantling locations that have become safe havens for individuals involved in kidnapping, robbery, drug-related offences and other criminal activities. He explained that criminal groups often exploit poorly regulated settlements to evade arrest and plan illegal operations.
Wike warned that the administration would not tolerate any individual or group using illegal settlements to threaten public safety. He added that anyone found harbouring criminals or assisting them in carrying out unlawful acts would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He further assured residents that the administration would continue working closely with the police, military, Department of State Services and other security agencies to improve intelligence gathering and prevent criminal activities before they occur.
The minister explained that security cannot be achieved through law enforcement alone. He emphasized the need for proper urban planning, strict development control and responsible land administration to eliminate environments that encourage crime. He noted that illegal structures often emerge without official approval, making them difficult to regulate and monitor.
Residents living around the affected area have repeatedly raised concerns about suspicious movements and security threats within the community. Many welcomed the government’s intervention, expressing hope that the demolition would improve safety and reduce criminal activities in surrounding neighbourhoods.
Security experts have also maintained that intelligence-led operations remain one of the most effective approaches to combating urban crime. By identifying locations frequently used by criminal groups, authorities are better positioned to disrupt illegal networks before they expand their operations.
The latest action forms part of broader efforts by the FCT Administration to restore order in the nation’s capital. Since assuming office, Wike has consistently emphasized the enforcement of development regulations, removal of illegal structures and improvement of critical infrastructure across Abuja.
Beyond addressing security concerns, the administration has also intensified road construction, urban renewal projects and environmental sanitation campaigns aimed at making Abuja a safer and more attractive city for residents, businesses and investors.
During the inspection, the minister also visited ongoing road construction projects in the Kaura District. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made by contractors, particularly on a bridge project designed to improve connectivity within the district. He encouraged the contractors to maintain the pace of work and consider extending the road toward Oladipo Diya Way to improve traffic flow and support future development.
According to him, improved infrastructure contributes significantly to public safety by increasing accessibility for emergency responders and security agencies while opening previously isolated areas to economic activities and effective policing.
The administration believes that combining infrastructure development with stronger security measures will contribute to lasting peace and stability within the Federal Capital Territory. Better roads, improved street lighting and well-planned communities are expected to reduce opportunities for criminal activities while enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Authorities have urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and providing useful information that could assist ongoing investigations. Officials emphasized that community participation remains essential in preventing crime and ensuring that security agencies receive timely intelligence.
As Abuja continues to expand rapidly, the government says maintaining strict compliance with development regulations and eliminating illegal settlements associated with criminal activities will remain a priority. The administration insists that every action taken is intended to safeguard lives, preserve public order and ensure that the Federal Capital Territory remains a secure environment for all residents, workers and visitors.
With the demolition order now in place, security agencies and relevant departments are expected to begin coordinated enforcement while ensuring that the exercise complies with existing laws and protects public safety.
The move represents another step in the FCT Administration’s ongoing campaign to strengthen security, promote orderly development and reinforce confidence in Abuja as Nigeria’s capital city.
