FCT Minister says illegal community near Karmajiji poses a major security threat, directs police and Development Control to begin immediate demolition.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate demolition of an illegal settlement known as Ruga near Karmajiji in Abuja’s Kukwaba District, describing it as a hideout for suspected criminals.
Wike issued the directive on Friday after leading security operatives to the settlement following a meeting of the FCT Security Committee.
According to the minister, intelligence reports indicated that criminal suspects often retreated to the area after carrying out attacks across the Federal Capital Territory.
He expressed concern that the identities of many occupants could not be verified, making it difficult for security agencies to effectively monitor activities within the settlement.
“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.
Describing the settlement as “a time bomb,” the minister insisted that the FCT Administration would not allow criminal enclaves to exist within Abuja.
Wike directed the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, to work with the Department of Development Control to carry out the demolition without delay.
He warned that anyone using illegal settlements to aid criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.
The minister said the exercise forms part of the FCT Administration’s broader security strategy aimed at dismantling criminal networks, improving public safety and protecting lives and property across the nation’s capital.