Abuja – Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate demolition of an alleged illegal settlement near Karmajiji in the Kukwaba District of Abuja, describing the community as a major security threat and a suspected haven for criminal elements.
Wike gave the directive on Friday after a meeting of the FCT Security Committee. He subsequently led a team of security operatives on an inspection of the settlement, where he said intelligence reports indicated that suspected criminals frequently used the area as a hideout after carrying out attacks across the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the minister, the unregulated nature of the settlement makes it difficult for security agencies to identify residents or effectively monitor activities within the community.
“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.
“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 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 to ensure the exercise is carried out.
Wike also warned that individuals using illegal settlements to aid or conceal criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.
He said the demolition forms part of the FCT Administration’s broader strategy to dismantle criminal enclaves, improve public safety and strengthen security across the territory.
The minister reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustaining security operations aimed at protecting lives and property, stressing that the safety of Abuja residents remains its highest priority.
