By Olawumi Oyehan
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate demolition of an emerging settlement in Kukwaba District, near the City Gate in Abuja, following security concerns over the area’s alleged use as a hideout by criminal elements.
Wike issued the directive during an enforcement inspection in the city centre, shortly after a security meeting with relevant agencies.
The Minister, who led security personnel to the settlement, described the proliferation of unapproved developments and illegal structures across the FCT as a potential security threat and a “time bomb” capable of undermining public safety.
”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.
“This is a time bomb. There is no way we can allow this. The FCT Administration will not allow criminal hideouts to thrive in Abuja,” he declared.
According to Wike, the shanties in Kukwaba had allegedly become a place where criminals retreated after carrying out attacks. He consequently ordered security agencies and the FCT Department of Development Control to take immediate action against the settlement.
He said the FCT Administration would not permit unauthorised structures or illegal settlements to become safe havens for criminal activities within the nation’s capital.
Wike also directed the FCT Police Command and the Department of Development Control to strengthen coordination in tackling illegal developments and enforcing planning regulations across the territory.
The Minister maintained that urban disorder and the proliferation of illegal structures could contribute to wider security challenges, stressing the need for decisive enforcement to protect residents and preserve the Abuja Master Plan.
Following the directive, the FCT Administration has intensified joint enforcement operations across several districts, targeting illegal settlements, unapproved building projects and other structures considered to be in violation of approved planning regulations.
The administration has reiterated that enforcement actions, including demolitions and seizures of illegally occupied sites, will continue as part of efforts to improve security, restore order and ensure the orderly development of the FCT.