Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to clear all illegal settlements in the Federal Capital City, particularly targeting shantytowns that have become breeding grounds for crime and hinder developmental projects.
According to Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant for Public Communications and Social Media, the ongoing crackdown on criminal hideouts in Abuja will continue. The FCTA has expressed concern over the rising security threats in parts of Durumi District, specifically Area 1 in Garki District, where high-level crimes such as robbery, carjacking, and drug peddling have become prevalent.
To address these concerns, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike established a Stakeholders Committee comprising security agencies, FCTA officials, Civil Society Organizations, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, among others. The committee identified the shantytowns in Area 1, Durumi, as operational bases for kidnappers, drug peddlers, and one-chance operators.
A recent operation in Area 1, Durumi, resulted in the arrest of over 120 miscreants, including drug peddlers, carjackers, and armed robbers. The authorities also recovered stolen vehicles, 79 stolen motorcycles, and 155 Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, which were snatched from victims of one-chance operators using the settlement as their base.
Although some of the shantytowns in Area 1, Durumi, were cleared in the past, the illegal settlers and criminals have regrouped, making the area uninhabitable for law-abiding citizens. The FCTA has noted that the shantytowns were built on land allocated over 20 years ago, but the illegal occupants have made it impossible for the rightful allottees to use their lands.
As part of its efforts to restore order, the FCTA is already clearing shantytowns in the City Centre and plans to extend the operation to Area 1, Durumi, soon. The administration is committed to ensuring a safer and more secure environment for residents and visitors alike.
With the FCTA’s renewed focus on tackling crime and promoting development, residents of Abuja can expect a significant improvement in the city’s security landscape. The clearance of shantytowns and hideouts will undoubtedly make it more challenging for criminals to operate, ultimately contributing to a safer and more prosperous Federal Capital City.
