The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the FCT Department of Development Control to demolish Ruga, an illegal settlement close to Karmajiji in Kukwaba District, Abuja.

Mr Wike gave the order when he led security operatives to the settlement, a suspected criminal hideout, after the FCT security committee meeting on Friday.

He explained that the directive was part of efforts to strengthen security in the nation’s capital.

He added that intelligence reports indicated that suspected criminals often retreated to the settlement after carrying out attacks in parts of the FCT.

“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.

“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 said.

He directed the Commissioner of Police in FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, to work with the director of development control to demolish the settlement.

The minister stressed that anyone found using such locations to aid criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.

According to the minister, the demolition is part of ongoing efforts by the FCT Administration to dismantle criminal enclaves, improve public safety and protect residents.

Mr Wike reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustaining security operations across the territory, noting that the safety of lives and property remains a top priority. 

(NAN)