FCTA to Remove Shanties Threatening Security and Hindering Development in Abuja

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

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, revealed in a statement on Monday that security concerns, especially in parts of Durumi District like Area 1 in Garki, have escalated due to criminal activities including robbery, carjacking, and drug trafficking.

To tackle the issue, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike formed a Stakeholders Committee involving security agencies, FCTA officials, civil society, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists to coordinate the crackdown.

Olayinka noted that the shanties in Area 1 have hindered land allottees and government agencies from using their lands and have become operational bases for kidnappers and other criminals. In a recent operation, over 120 suspects were arrested, with several stolen vehicles, motorcycles, and ATM cards recovered.

Although some shanties were cleared previously, criminals regrouped, making the area unsafe for law-abiding residents. The FCTA has started clearing illegal settlements in the City Centre and plans to move to Area 1, Durumi soon.