The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to demolish illegal structures and settlements used by suspected criminals in satellite communities across the FCT. Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary of the FCT Command and Control Centre, announced the enforcement action during an operation in Wassa on Friday. He attributed the move to intelligence reports linking uncompleted buildings and informal settlements to criminal activities. The exercise is part of Operation Sweep FCT, launched to eliminate safe havens for criminal elements in the territory.
Olumuji stated that Development Control had marked the targeted areas since February 25 and issued notices for occupants to vacate. Community leaders were engaged and residents sensitised prior to the enforcement. The operation extends beyond Abuja's city centre to include locations like Kugbo, Jikwoyi, and Karshi. "The more we remove these hideouts, the more we improve security in the FCT," Olumuji said.
Wassa community chairman Mr Garzali Umar welcomed the operation, citing concerns over unknown individuals occupying informal settlements. He confirmed that the community had previously reported suspicious movements linked to criminal elements. In a related development, Mrs Ukachi Adebayo, Head of Enforcement at the Social Development Secretariat, said over 800 destitute persons have been evacuated and rehabilitated under the initiative. According to her, the individuals were profiled, trained, and reintegrated into society after evacuation.
Dr Peter Olumuji oversees an operation to clear hideouts in Wassa, yet his agency allowed the structures to remain for months after marking them on February 25. The delay raises questions about the timing and effectiveness of enforcement in areas already known to harbor criminal activity. Over 800 people have been rehabilitated, but none of those displaced by demolitions are mentioned as receiving similar support. The focus on removal without clarity on resettlement leaves vulnerable occupants in legal and social limbo.
💡 NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
