Wike orders demolition of suspected criminal hideout in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate demolition of an illegal settlement near Karmajiji in the Kukwaba District of Abuja, following intelligence reports identifying the area as a suspected hideout for criminals.

Wike issued the directive on Friday during an inspection of the settlement shortly after the FCT Security Committee meeting. He was accompanied by security chiefs as part of efforts to strengthen security and tackle emerging threats across the Federal Capital Territory.

The minister said security intelligence had identified the cluster of shanties as a suspected safe haven where criminals allegedly retreat after carrying out attacks in different parts of Abuja.

He described the settlement as a serious security risk, warning that the FCT Administration would not allow illegal structures suspected of harbouring criminals to remain within the capital.

Wike questioned the ability of security agencies to effectively identify and monitor occupants of the settlement, given its location and unregulated nature.

“This is a time bomb, and there is no way we can allow this to continue. The FCT Administration will not permit criminal hideouts to thrive in Abuja,” the minister said.

He directed the FCT Department of Development Control to commence the demolition immediately in collaboration with the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, and other relevant security agencies.

According to Wike, the operation forms part of the administration’s broader security strategy to dismantle suspected criminal enclaves, prevent the use of unregulated settlements as operational bases and restore public confidence in the safety of Abuja.

The minister warned that individuals who provide accommodation or other forms of support to criminals through illegal settlements would face the full weight of the law.

He reiterated the administration’s commitment to sustained collaboration with security agencies to identify and eliminate structures and settlements considered security threats within the nation’s capital.

Wike said the FCT Administration would continue to take proactive measures to protect lives and property, stressing that maintaining a safe and secure environment for residents and visitors remained a major priority.

The demolition order comes amid intensified efforts by the FCT Administration and security agencies to identify potential criminal enclaves and strengthen security across Abuja.