The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has vowed to clear all illegal settlements and shanties in Abuja that serve as hideouts for criminals and obstruct developmental projects.

The administration, in a statement issued on Monday by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said the clampdown on shanties, particularly in Area 1, Durumi, Garki District, is part of ongoing efforts to tackle rising insecurity in the capital city.

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According to the FCTA, the settlements have become notorious for criminal activities, including robbery, carjacking, drug peddling, and “one-chance” operations, posing grave threats to residents.

“In a recent operation in Area 1, Durumi, security agencies arrested over 120 miscreants, including drug peddlers, one-chance operators, carjackers and armed robbers,” the statement revealed.

“Seven stolen vehicles, 79 motorcycles and 155 ATM cards snatched from victims were recovered during the raid.”

The administration expressed concern that despite earlier demolitions, the shanties have resurfaced, making the area unsafe and preventing lawful land allottees, including government agencies, from developing their plots, some of which were allocated more than 20 years ago.

To ensure a sustainable solution, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has set up a stakeholders’ committee comprising heads of security agencies, FCTA officials, civil society organisations, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The committee, Olayinka said, identified the shanties in Durumi as a major operational base for kidnappers and other criminals in the FCT.

“The FCTA has already commenced the clearance of illegal settlements in the City Centre, and Durumi’s shanties will be removed very soon,” the statement added.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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