Wike orders demolition of criminal hideout in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate demolition of an illegal settlement near Karmajiji in the Kukwaba District of Abuja, describing it as a suspected hideout for criminals.

Wike issued the directive on Friday after leading security operatives to the settlement following a meeting of the FCT Security Committee.

The minister said intelligence reports indicated that suspected criminals often retreated to the shanties after carrying out attacks in different parts of the Federal Capital Territory.

“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’s no way we can allow this. The FCT Administration will not allow criminal hideouts to thrive in Abuja,” he said.

Wike directed the FCT Department of Development Control to carry out the demolition in collaboration with the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi.

He warned that anyone found using illegal settlements to facilitate criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.

According to the minister, the demolition forms part of the FCT Administration’s broader efforts to dismantle criminal enclaves, improve public safety and enhance security across the nation’s capital.

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that sustained security operations would continue to ensure Abuja remains safe for residents.