RismadarVoice Reporters, July 31, 2026
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of an illegal settlement near Karmajiji in Kukwaba District, Abuja, over allegations that it serves as a hideout for criminal elements.
Wike issued the directive on Friday after leading top security officials on an inspection of the settlement following a meeting of the FCT Security Committee.
The minister said intelligence reports indicated that suspected criminals often retreated to the area after carrying out attacks in different parts of the nation’s capital, making it a major security concern.
Describing the settlement as a “time bomb,” Wike said the FCT Administration would not tolerate criminal hideouts operating within Abuja.
“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 FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, to work with the Department of Development Control to immediately demolish the settlement.
He also warned that anyone using such locations to aid criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.
According to Wike, the demolition forms part of the FCT Administration’s broader strategy to eliminate criminal hideouts, strengthen security and protect lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustaining security operations aimed at ensuring Abuja remains safe for residents and visitors.
