Wike Orders Demolition of Alleged Criminal Hideout in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of an alleged illegal settlement near Karmajiji in the Kukwaba District of Abuja over security concerns.

Wike gave the directive on Friday after a meeting of the FCT Security Committee, following which he led security operatives on an inspection of the settlement.

The minister said intelligence reports linked the area to criminal activities, alleging that suspected criminals often retreated to the settlement after carrying out attacks in different parts of the Federal Capital Territory.

Describing the community as a major security threat, Wike said its unregulated nature made it difficult for security agencies to identify and monitor those living there.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The minister directed the Department of Development Control to immediately demolish the settlement and instructed the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, to collaborate with the agency in carrying out the exercise.

He warned that individuals using such settlements to facilitate criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.

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

He added that the administration would continue security operations aimed at protecting lives and property, stressing that the safety of residents remained a top priority.